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Practice Test for XAT - 8 - CAT MCQ


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30 Questions MCQ Test Mock Test Series for XAT - Practice Test for XAT - 8

Practice Test for XAT - 8 for CAT 2024 is part of Mock Test Series for XAT preparation. The Practice Test for XAT - 8 questions and answers have been prepared according to the CAT exam syllabus.The Practice Test for XAT - 8 MCQs are made for CAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests for Practice Test for XAT - 8 below.
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Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 1

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q. 

The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. These sentences, when properly sequenced, from a coherent paragraph. Choose the most logical order of sentences from the options.

I. I looked out the little window in the front door at the front yard all glittering with frost, and shivered.

II.  I turned up the hall thermostat and the furnace rolled over in the dark, giving its reliable growl.

III.  That morning, Queenie's bed was empty and she wasn’t in the bathroom.

IV. We had just got the oil furnace and my father said he still woke up at five every morning, thinking it was time to go down to the cellar and build up the fire.

V.  I went down the stairs not turning any lights on, not wanting to wake anyone.

 

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 1

The sentences follow the movements of the author on discovering that her sister is missing. The opening sentence is III, which deals with the discovery that Queenie was neither in her bed nor in the bathroom. Logically, this will be followed by V, which talks about how the author descended the stairs. There is a link between sentences I, II, and IV; I talks about how the author shivered looking outside at the frost in the yard, then II logically follows this as it says that the author turned up the thermostat (heat) and goes on to mention the furnace. The link is completed by IV, which gives us an anecdote connected to this furnace after stating that it was recently acquired.

The correct sequence is III, V, I, II, V.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 2

Read the following passage and answer the questions.Walzer, in his Just and Unjust Wars (1977) claims that the lack of identification does not give a government the right to kill indiscriminately- the onus is on the government to identify the combatants, and so, the implication goes, if there is any uncertainty involved then an attack must not be made. Others have argued that the nature of modern warfare dissolves the possibility of discrimination: civilians are just as necessary causal conditions for the war machine as are combatants, therefore, they claim, there is no moral distinction in targeting an armed combatant and a civilian involved in arming or feeding the combatant. The distinction is, however, not closed by the nature of modern economies, since a combatant still remains a very different entity from a non-combatant, if not for the simple reason that the former is presently armed (and hence has renounced rights or is prepared to die, or is a threat), whilst the civilian is not. On the other hand, it can be argued that being a civilian does not necessarily mean that one is not a threat and hence not a legitimate target. If Mr Smith is the only individual in the nation to possess the correct combination that will detonate a device that could kill thousands, then he becomes not only causally efficacious in the firing of a weapon of war, but also morally responsible; reasonably he also becomes a legitimate military target. His job effectively militarizes his status even though he does not bear arms.

Q.

Which of the following statements, if considered seriously, would most weaken the position that Mr. Smith is a legitimate military target?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 2

Since Mr Smith could potentially kill thousands, option 1 would strengthen the position that Mr.Smith is a legitimate military target.Option 2 also supports the argument that Mr. Smith (alongwith all civilians) is a legitimate militarytarget.Only option 3 weakens the argument, since it brings in an element of whether Mr Smith wouldactually use his knowledge to harm thousands - if not, he may not be considered a threat.Option 4 supports the argument, since Mr Smith is logically closer to the war machine.Option 5 is the argument given in the passage for which Mr Smith is the example provided.Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

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Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 3

Read the following passage and answer the questions.Walzer, in his Just and Unjust Wars (1977) claims that the lack of identification does not give a government the right to kill indiscriminately- the onus is on the government to identify the combatants, and so, the implication goes, if there is any uncertainty involved then an attack must not be made. Others have argued that the nature of modern warfare dissolves the possibility of discrimination: civilians are just as necessary causal conditions for the war machine as are combatants, therefore, they claim, there is no moral distinction in targeting an armed combatant and a civilian involved in arming or feeding the combatant. The distinction is, however, not closed by the nature of modern economies, since a combatant still remains a very different entity from a non-combatant, if not for the simple reason that the former is presently armed (and hence has renounced rights or is prepared to die, or is a threat), whilst the civilian is not. On the other hand, it can be argued that being a civilian does not necessarily mean that one is not a threat and hence not a legitimate target. If Mr Smith is the only individual in the nation to possess the correct combination that will detonate a device that could kill thousands, then he becomes not only causally efficacious in the firing of a weapon of war, but also morally responsible; reasonably he also becomes a legitimate military target. His job effectively militarizes his status even though he does not bear arms.

Q.

 

Which of the following would Walzer not consider ‘unjust’?

I. In a high-drama media-covered hostage scenario, the military gun down all the 9 terrorists including 25 hostages held by them.

II.The military attacks an old widow for giving refuge to a soldier who has retired from miltary service.

III.The police guns down a group of armed protestors.

IV. The air force pilot on a night raid over enemy land, fires an attack on a group of campers in the desert.

V. A policeman enters the scene of an ongoing day-light bank robbery with his gun firing in all directions.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 3

Statement I involves gunning down 25 innocent hostages, therefore it is unjust.

Statement II is in consonance with the views of others who have argued against Walzer about the nature of modern warfare.

Statement IV is unjust since the identity of the campers (whether military or civilian) has not been properly ascertained.

Statement V involves an indiscriminate attack on civilians and is certainly unjust.

Only statement III is not unjust, since the attack is based on proper identification and is not indiscriminate.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 4

Read the following passage and answer the questions.Walzer, in his Just and Unjust Wars (1977) claims that the lack of identification does not give a government the right to kill indiscriminately- the onus is on the government to identify the combatants, and so, the implication goes, if there is any uncertainty involved then an attack must not be made. Others have argued that the nature of modern warfare dissolves the possibility of discrimination: civilians are just as necessary causal conditions for the war machine as are combatants, therefore, they claim, there is no moral distinction in targeting an armed combatant and a civilian involved in arming or feeding the combatant. The distinction is, however, not closed by the nature of modern economies, since a combatant still remains a very different entity from a non-combatant, if not for the simple reason that the former is presently armed (and hence has renounced rights or is prepared to die, or is a threat), whilst the civilian is not. On the other hand, it can be argued that being a civilian does not necessarily mean that one is not a threat and hence not a legitimate target. If Mr Smith is the only individual in the nation to possess the correct combination that will detonate a device that could kill thousands, then he becomes not only causally efficacious in the firing of a weapon of war, but also morally responsible; reasonably he also becomes a legitimate military target. His job effectively militarizes his status even though he does not bear arms.

Q.

Select the odd man out from the given alternatives.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 4

All the options are idioms and their meanings. What makes option 1 odd and what is common to theother four idioms is that they are all idioms based on animals whereas option 1 is not.Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 5

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 Which of these statements is supported by the passage?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 5

None of the given statements are supported by the passage.The passage mentions “Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances” which helps eliminate option 1.“Spiders build webs on human-built structures ... materials not present in their evolutionary history.” helps rule out option 2.“... the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre” eliminates option 3.“ ...vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar.” rules out option 4.Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 6

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 In which of these scenarios would an animal not be able to properly interpret vibrational cues?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 6

According to the passage, animals find it difficult to interpret vibrational cues when they are affected by human noise. This occurs when they are anywhere near humans. Option 1 has a caterpillar on the highway; therefore, it is bound to be exposed to noises and vibrations of traffic.Option 2 talks about a frog within the rainforest; it would not be affected by man-made noises/vibration.Option 3 talks about a spider living within a house. Whether or not in a quiet neighbourhood, since the spider lives inside the house, there are bound to be human noises due to the inhabitants of the house. This cannot be described as a natural environment.Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 7

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 Which of the following examples of animal behaviour is analogous to spiders using vibrations as a guide?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 7

The phenomenon of spiders using vibrations on their web as a guide on how to act follows the principle of an animal's analysis of external stimuli as safe or dangerous, and its subsequent reaction. Option 5 shows an analogous relationship to this.Option 1 is a reflex and hence, involuntary in nature.Options 2, 3, and 4 involve the animals themselves making sounds, i.e. providing the stimuli. The stimulus needs to be external in order to be analogous to the spider's example.Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 8

Answer the following question based on the information given below. Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain. Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example, a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 

The italicised numbered words given below are correctly represented by which of the following parts Of Speach?

I grew up on expeditions (1) — my first was when I was seven. It’s such a different world. It’s a place of magic and (2) mystery and beauty and danger. There’s always something new (3), every dive. So it’s more that it would be very difficult (4) to find a career that would trump that. I tried! I went (5) to school for environmental economics, and I went into international business and marketing afterwards (6). I did stints in different (7) places —I worked in graphic design, I worked in interior design. All those were very (8) short-lived careers for me because, at the end of the day, my mind and my soul kept driving me back to the ocean. To the thing, that (9) really attracted me to this life — which is the adventure, the discovery.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 8

"Expeditions” refer to ‘excursions, journeys, or voyages made for some specific purpose, such as wars or exploration’. Therefore, it is a “noun”.

"And” functions as a "conjunction” and has been correctly referred to as one in all of the options.

“New” is a “noun” as it refers to an experience, which is unlike any other. Given that it refers to an abstract concept, it does not function as an “adjective" in the case of this passage. This eliminates options 1 and 5.

“Difficult” describes the dive and functions as an “adjective”.

“Went” refers to an action and is a “verb”.

“Afterwards” referring to a later point in time functions as an “adverb”

“Different” describes places and is an “adjective”.

“Very” is an “adverb” and indicates a high degree. It has been incorrectly referred to as an “adjective” in options 3 and 4.

“That” ascribes to the thing that attracted the author to the life he/she has mentioned and is therefore, a pronoun.

The parts of speech have been referred to correctly in option 2.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 9

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 Select the odd man out from the given alternatives.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 9

Option 1 contains names of birds. All the other options contain mammals.Kangaroo, koala and tasmanian devil are marsupials or pouched mammals.Whale, dolphin and porpoise are cetaceans or aquatic mammals.Bat, cat and rat are eutherians or placental mammals.Echidna, platypus and anteater are monotremes, mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 10

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 Select the odd man out from the given alternatives.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 10

All these are idioms with the correct meanings or correct associations - For example, a prince is a king in the waiting. In option 5 the idiom and meaning are unrelated. But, when you “hang on by your fingernails”, you are ‘only just managing to avoid danger or failure’. “Nit-picking” means ‘minute and usually unjustified criticism’.Hence, the correct  answer is option 5.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 11

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q. Give the antonym of the word from the given options:

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 11

“Soporific” means ‘tending to induce sleep’. “Stimulating” means ‘adrenalizing’, which is opposite in meaning to “soporific.”“Draconian” means ‘harsh.’“Canard" means ‘lie.’“Nostrum”means ‘a medicine sold with false or exaggerated claims and with no demonstrable value; quack medicine.’ “Adumbrative” means ‘evocative’.Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 12

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q. 

Read the sentences and choose the option that best arranges them in a logical order.

A. These aren't just simple holes.

B. This seemingly simple but wholly original device imbues the game with a mind-bending sense of physics.

C.In both games, the player/protagonist is a young, dark-haired woman in an orange jumpsuit whom you see only in glimpses. With one trigger on your controller, you place an entrance on one wall; with the opposite trigger, you place your exit on another wall (or on a floor, or a ceiling).

E. Portal, one the most beloved video games created for the current generation of consoles, has recently spawned a sequel, Portal 2.

F. She must surmount a series of challenges mostly through the use of a ‘portal gun’: a weapon, if it even merits the name, that creates oval-shaped portals.

 

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 12

E is the opening sentence in all the options.

The CF link is clear: C introduces the protagonist, and F mentions what she must do in the game. This rules out options 1 and 5, which lack this link.

E can be followed by either B or C, but certainly not D. Therefore option 4, which has an ED link, can be ruled out.

The “mind-bending sense of physics” in statement B logically follows the description of creating portals on walls/floors/ceilings with opposing triggers, as mentioned in statement D. This link is present in option 3.

Therefore, the correct sequence is ECFADB.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 13

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q. 

Read the sentences and choose the option that best arranges them in a logical order.

A. Its author, Benjamin Lee Whorf let loose an alluring idea about language’s power over the mind, and his stirring prose seduced a whole generation into believing that our mother tongue restricts what we are able to think.

B. Eventually, Whorf's theory crash-landed on hard facts and solid common sense, when it transpired that there had never actually been any evidence to support his fantastic claims.

C. In 1940, a popular science magazine published a short article that set in motion one of the trendiest intellectual fads of the 20th century.

D. For decades, Whorf’s theory dazzled both academics and the general public alike. In his shadow, others made a whole range of imaginative claims about the supposed power of language, from the assertion that Native American languages instil in their speakers an intuitive understanding of Einstein's concept of time as a fourth dimension to the theory that the nature of the Jewish religion was determined by the tense system of ancient Hebrew.

E. In particular, Whorf announced, Native American languages impose on their speakers a picture of reality that is totally different from ours, so their speakers would simply not be able to understand some of our most basic concepts, like the flow of time or the distinction between objects (like ‘stone’) and actions (like 'fall').

 

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 13

All of the statements discuss Benjamin Lee Whoif s theory and only statement C sets the context of the “intellectual fad” that he started.

Statement A, which introduces Whorf by his full name, and introduces his idea as well, cannot follow statements which mention only his last name or discuss his ideas further. So options 2, 3 and 4 must be ruled out.

Option 1 is incorrect, since E makes no sense after B, because Whorf’s theory is said to be discredited in B.

Option 5 is a correct and logical sequence, i.e. CAEDB.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 14

Answer the following question based on the information given below.Animals can habituate to environmental disturbances. What’s more, they can get very good at telling the difference between stimuli that are relevant to them, and those that aren’t. Tree frogs can tell the difference between vibration caused by a predator and vibration caused by rain, even though these cues are extremely similar. Similarly, caterpillars living on leaves can tell the difference between vibrations caused by other caterpillars, predators, wind and rain.Spiders build webs on human-built structures such as pipelines, fences, road signs and wire rods, all of which are made out of materials not present in their evolutionary history. This means that they will absorb vibrations from the environment differently to a more natural place a spider might build its web, for example a plant. If these human-built objects are anywhere near humans (which they are likely to be) they are also probably affected by human noise. For example, a spider that has built a web near a road will be subject to the vibration caused by cars driving by. This matters particularly to spiders because they use vibration so much in guiding their behaviour. Indeed, you can even imagine the web to be an extension of the spider itself, such that the vibrations on the very outside of the web travel down to the spider situated in the centre and tell it whether it’s being ‘touched’ by prey, a mate, wind or rain.

Q.

 Select the odd man out from the given alternatives.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 14

The options present the meanings of the respective idioms."The game is afoot" refers to "active existence." For instance, "The teams are on the pitch - the whistleblows - the game is afoot." Hence, “all is lost” is incorrect.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 15

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

With many other souls as his companions Er had come across an awesome place with four openings, two into and out of the sky and two into and out of the earth. Judges sat between these openings and ordered the souls which path to follow: the good were guided into the path in the sky, the immoral were directed below. But when Er approached the judges he was told to remain, listening and observing in order to report his experience to humankind.

Meanwhile from the other opening in the sky, clean souls floated down, recounting beautiful sights and wondrous feelings. Others, returning from the earth, appeared dirty, haggard and tired, crying in despair when recounting their awful experience, as each was required to pay a tenfold penalty for all the wicked deeds committed when alive. There were some, however, that could not be released from the underground. Murderers, tyrants and other non-political criminals were doomed to remain by the exit of the underground, unable to escape. After seven days in the meadow the souls and Er were required to travel further. After four days they reached a place where they could see a rainbow shaft of light brighter than any they had seen before. After another day's travel they reached it. This was the spindle of Necessity which represents the cosmos. Several women, including Lady Necessity, her daughters and the Sirens were present. The souls were then organized into rows and were each given a lottery token apart from Er. Then of their lottery tokens, they were required to come forward in order and choose their next life. Er recalled the first to choose a new soul, a man who had not known the terrors of the underground, but had been rewarded in the sky, hastily chose a powerful dictatorship. Upon further inspection he realized that, among other atrocities, he was destined to eat his own children. Er observed that this was often the case of those who had been through the path in the sky, whereas those who had been punished often chose a better life. Many preferred a life different from their previous experience. Animals chose human lives while humans often chose the apparently easier lives of animals.

After this each soul was assigned a deity to help them through their life. They passed under the throne of Lady Necessity, and then traveled to the Plain of Oblivion, where the River of Forgetfulness (River Lethe) flowed. Each soul was required to drink some of the water, in varying quantities, apart from Er. As they drank, each soul forgot everything. As they lay down at night to sleep each soul was lifted up into the night in various directions for rebirth, completing their journey. Er remembered nothing of the journey back to his body. He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the funeral pyre, early in the morning, and able to recall his journey through the afterlife.

Q.

What is the central idea of the passage?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 15

Option 1 has been mentioned in the first paragraph but is not the core assertion of the passage.Option 3- the soul cannot be damaged by any kind of defect- cannot be substantiated from the passage.Option 4- while true in itself is not the core assertion of the passage.Option 5 is incorrect because it has not been mentioned in the passage.The passage details the journey of the soul after death, in the afterlife in great detail. Er for example is able to recall his journey through the afterlife in great detail. Therefore, we can assume that there is life after death. Hence, the correct answer is option 2

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 16

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

With many other souls as his companions Er had come across an awesome place with four openings, two into and out of the sky and two into and out of the earth. Judges sat between these openings and ordered the souls which path to follow: the good were guided into the path in the sky, the immoral were directed below. But when Er approached the judges he was told to remain, listening and observing in order to report his experience to humankind.

Meanwhile from the other opening in the sky, clean souls floated down, recounting beautiful sights and wondrous feelings. Others, returning from the earth, appeared dirty, haggard and tired, crying in despair when recounting their awful experience, as each was required to pay a tenfold penalty for all the wicked deeds committed when alive. There were some, however, that could not be released from the underground. Murderers, tyrants and other non-political criminals were doomed to remain by the exit of the underground, unable to escape. After seven days in the meadow the souls and Er were required to travel further. After four days they reached a place where they could see a rainbow shaft of light brighter than any they had seen before. After another day's travel they reached it. This was the spindle of Necessity which represents the cosmos. Several women, including Lady Necessity, her daughters and the Sirens were present. The souls were then organized into rows and were each given a lottery token apart from Er. Then of their lottery tokens, they were required to come forward in order and choose their next life. Er recalled the first to choose a new soul, a man who had not known the terrors of the underground, but had been rewarded in the sky, hastily chose a powerful dictatorship. Upon further inspection he realized that, among other atrocities, he was destined to eat his own children. Er observed that this was often the case of those who had been through the path in the sky, whereas those who had been punished often chose a better life. Many preferred a life different from their previous experience. Animals chose human lives while humans often chose the apparently easier lives of animals.

After this each soul was assigned a deity to help them through their life. They passed under the throne of Lady Necessity, and then traveled to the Plain of Oblivion, where the River of Forgetfulness (River Lethe) flowed. Each soul was required to drink some of the water, in varying quantities, apart from Er. As they drank, each soul forgot everything. As they lay down at night to sleep each soul was lifted up into the night in various directions for rebirth, completing their journey. Er remembered nothing of the journey back to his body. He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the funeral pyre, early in the morning, and able to recall his journey through the afterlife.

Q.

Which of the following is true as per the passage?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 16

The passage does not mention Er either being punished or being rewarded for any of his deeds. Therefore, options 1 and 2 are incorrect.Though Er revives on his funeral pyre he is unable to remember anything of his journey back to earth. This is mentioned in the last paragraph. Therefore, option 4 is incorrect.Nothing about Er being a warrior has been mentioned in the passage. Therefore, option 5 is incorrect.The last paragraph mentions that when Er revives he is able to remember his journey through the afterlife, which is life after death.Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 17

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

With many other souls as his companions Er had come across an awesome place with four openings, two into and out of the sky and two into and out of the earth. Judges sat between these openings and ordered the souls which path to follow: the good were guided into the path in the sky, the immoral were directed below. But when Er approached the judges he was told to remain, listening and observing in order to report his experience to humankind.

Meanwhile from the other opening in the sky, clean souls floated down, recounting beautiful sights and wondrous feelings. Others, returning from the earth, appeared dirty, haggard and tired, crying in despair when recounting their awful experience, as each was required to pay a tenfold penalty for all the wicked deeds committed when alive. There were some, however, that could not be released from the underground. Murderers, tyrants and other non-political criminals were doomed to remain by the exit of the underground, unable to escape. After seven days in the meadow the souls and Er were required to travel further. After four days they reached a place where they could see a rainbow shaft of light brighter than any they had seen before. After another day's travel they reached it. This was the spindle of Necessity which represents the cosmos. Several women, including Lady Necessity, her daughters and the Sirens were present. The souls were then organized into rows and were each given a lottery token apart from Er. Then of their lottery tokens, they were required to come forward in order and choose their next life. Er recalled the first to choose a new soul, a man who had not known the terrors of the underground, but had been rewarded in the sky, hastily chose a powerful dictatorship. Upon further inspection he realized that, among other atrocities, he was destined to eat his own children. Er observed that this was often the case of those who had been through the path in the sky, whereas those who had been punished often chose a better life. Many preferred a life different from their previous experience. Animals chose human lives while humans often chose the apparently easier lives of animals.

After this each soul was assigned a deity to help them through their life. They passed under the throne of Lady Necessity, and then traveled to the Plain of Oblivion, where the River of Forgetfulness (River Lethe) flowed. Each soul was required to drink some of the water, in varying quantities, apart from Er. As they drank, each soul forgot everything. As they lay down at night to sleep each soul was lifted up into the night in various directions for rebirth, completing their journey. Er remembered nothing of the journey back to his body. He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the funeral pyre, early in the morning, and able to recall his journey through the afterlife.

Q.

The passage above can be described as :

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 17

A myth is defined as a sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. A story about the same is a mythological story. Therefore, option 1 is incorrect.A tall tale is a story with unbelievable elements, related as if it were true and factual. Some such stories are exaggerations of actual events. Therefore, option 3 is incorrect.A frame tale is a narrative technique where by an introductory main story is composed, at least in part, for the purpose of setting the stage for a fictive narrative or organizing a set of shorter stories, each of which is a story within a story. Therefore, option 4 is incorrect.A folk tale is a short story that comes from the oral tradition. Folk tales often have to do with everyday life happenings. Therefore, option 5 is incorrect.Eschatology is a part of philosophy concerned with what is believed to be the final events in the history of the world, death, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. The author here is narrating a tale that describes life after death and the journey of the soul into the various stages of the afterlife. Moral people are rewarded while the immoral ones are punished.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 18

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

With many other souls as his companions Er had come across an awesome place with four openings, two into and out of the sky and two into and out of the earth. Judges sat between these openings and ordered the souls which path to follow: the good were guided into the path in the sky, the immoral were directed below. But when Er approached the judges he was told to remain, listening and observing in order to report his experience to humankind.

Meanwhile from the other opening in the sky, clean souls floated down, recounting beautiful sights and wondrous feelings. Others, returning from the earth, appeared dirty, haggard and tired, crying in despair when recounting their awful experience, as each was required to pay a tenfold penalty for all the wicked deeds committed when alive. There were some, however, that could not be released from the underground. Murderers, tyrants and other non-political criminals were doomed to remain by the exit of the underground, unable to escape. After seven days in the meadow the souls and Er were required to travel further. After four days they reached a place where they could see a rainbow shaft of light brighter than any they had seen before. After another day's travel they reached it. This was the spindle of Necessity which represents the cosmos. Several women, including Lady Necessity, her daughters and the Sirens were present. The souls were then organized into rows and were each given a lottery token apart from Er. Then of their lottery tokens, they were required to come forward in order and choose their next life. Er recalled the first to choose a new soul, a man who had not known the terrors of the underground, but had been rewarded in the sky, hastily chose a powerful dictatorship. Upon further inspection he realized that, among other atrocities, he was destined to eat his own children. Er observed that this was often the case of those who had been through the path in the sky, whereas those who had been punished often chose a better life. Many preferred a life different from their previous experience. Animals chose human lives while humans often chose the apparently easier lives of animals.

After this each soul was assigned a deity to help them through their life. They passed under the throne of Lady Necessity, and then traveled to the Plain of Oblivion, where the River of Forgetfulness (River Lethe) flowed. Each soul was required to drink some of the water, in varying quantities, apart from Er. As they drank, each soul forgot everything. As they lay down at night to sleep each soul was lifted up into the night in various directions for rebirth, completing their journey. Er remembered nothing of the journey back to his body. He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the funeral pyre, early in the morning, and able to recall his journey through the afterlife.

Q.

Er was not given the lottery token because:

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 18

The passage does not mention Er's choice for his next birth. Therefore, option 1 is incorrect.Option 3 has not been stated nor can it be implied from the passage.Option 4 does not answer the question stem in an appropriate manner. Er was not given the token for a specific reason.Option 5, though true in itself does not answer the question stem- of why Er was not given the lottery token. The passage mentions the fact that the judges asked Er to just keep listening and observe the entire experience so that he could narrate it to humankind. Therefore, it was not required of him to choose a new birth for which the lottery token was needed. Hence, he was not given the lottery token. Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 19

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

With many other souls as his companions Er had come across an awesome place with four openings, two into and out of the sky and two into and out of the earth. Judges sat between these openings and ordered the souls which path to follow: the good were guided into the path in the sky, the immoral were directed below. But when Er approached the judges he was told to remain, listening and observing in order to report his experience to humankind.

Meanwhile from the other opening in the sky, clean souls floated down, recounting beautiful sights and wondrous feelings. Others, returning from the earth, appeared dirty, haggard and tired, crying in despair when recounting their awful experience, as each was required to pay a tenfold penalty for all the wicked deeds committed when alive. There were some, however, that could not be released from the underground. Murderers, tyrants and other non-political criminals were doomed to remain by the exit of the underground, unable to escape. After seven days in the meadow the souls and Er were required to travel further. After four days they reached a place where they could see a rainbow shaft of light brighter than any they had seen before. After another day's travel they reached it. This was the spindle of Necessity which represents the cosmos. Several women, including Lady Necessity, her daughters and the Sirens were present. The souls were then organized into rows and were each given a lottery token apart from Er. Then of their lottery tokens, they were required to come forward in order and choose their next life. Er recalled the first to choose a new soul, a man who had not known the terrors of the underground, but had been rewarded in the sky, hastily chose a powerful dictatorship. Upon further inspection he realized that, among other atrocities, he was destined to eat his own children. Er observed that this was often the case of those who had been through the path in the sky, whereas those who had been punished often chose a better life. Many preferred a life different from their previous experience. Animals chose human lives while humans often chose the apparently easier lives of animals.

After this each soul was assigned a deity to help them through their life. They passed under the throne of Lady Necessity, and then traveled to the Plain of Oblivion, where the River of Forgetfulness (River Lethe) flowed. Each soul was required to drink some of the water, in varying quantities, apart from Er. As they drank, each soul forgot everything. As they lay down at night to sleep each soul was lifted up into the night in various directions for rebirth, completing their journey. Er remembered nothing of the journey back to his body. He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the funeral pyre, early in the morning, and able to recall his journey through the afterlife.

Q.

 Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option that follows:The unedited version was_____________ with cuss words.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 19

Only option 1 can appropriately fit into the blank. All of the other options do not fit into the statement logically or grammatically. If option 5 read as ‘completely replete’, it could have been considered. The blank requires an adjective.Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 20

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

With many other souls as his companions Er had come across an awesome place with four openings, two into and out of the sky and two into and out of the earth. Judges sat between these openings and ordered the souls which path to follow: the good were guided into the path in the sky, the immoral were directed below. But when Er approached the judges he was told to remain, listening and observing in order to report his experience to humankind.

Meanwhile from the other opening in the sky, clean souls floated down, recounting beautiful sights and wondrous feelings. Others, returning from the earth, appeared dirty, haggard and tired, crying in despair when recounting their awful experience, as each was required to pay a tenfold penalty for all the wicked deeds committed when alive. There were some, however, that could not be released from the underground. Murderers, tyrants and other non-political criminals were doomed to remain by the exit of the underground, unable to escape. After seven days in the meadow the souls and Er were required to travel further. After four days they reached a place where they could see a rainbow shaft of light brighter than any they had seen before. After another day's travel they reached it. This was the spindle of Necessity which represents the cosmos. Several women, including Lady Necessity, her daughters and the Sirens were present. The souls were then organized into rows and were each given a lottery token apart from Er. Then of their lottery tokens, they were required to come forward in order and choose their next life. Er recalled the first to choose a new soul, a man who had not known the terrors of the underground, but had been rewarded in the sky, hastily chose a powerful dictatorship. Upon further inspection he realized that, among other atrocities, he was destined to eat his own children. Er observed that this was often the case of those who had been through the path in the sky, whereas those who had been punished often chose a better life. Many preferred a life different from their previous experience. Animals chose human lives while humans often chose the apparently easier lives of animals.

After this each soul was assigned a deity to help them through their life. They passed under the throne of Lady Necessity, and then traveled to the Plain of Oblivion, where the River of Forgetfulness (River Lethe) flowed. Each soul was required to drink some of the water, in varying quantities, apart from Er. As they drank, each soul forgot everything. As they lay down at night to sleep each soul was lifted up into the night in various directions for rebirth, completing their journey. Er remembered nothing of the journey back to his body. He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the funeral pyre, early in the morning, and able to recall his journey through the afterlife.

Q.  

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pair of words from the given options. The_________ was not in its__________ .

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 20

The sentence uses the pronoun "its," which refers to things or animals and not to humans. Therefore, options 1 and 2 can be ruled out.A "cat" does not live in a "bowl". Eliminate option 3.A "horse" lives in a 'stable' and not a "burrow". Eliminate option 5.Option 4 fits in correctly. A "dog" lives in a "kennel".Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 21

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

Jagermeister’s ingredients include 56 herbs, fruits, roots, and spices including citrus peel, liquorice, anise, poppy seeds, saffron, ginger, juniper berries and ginseng. These ingredients are ground, then steeped in water and alcohol for 2-3 days. Afterwards, this mixture is filtered and stored in oak barrels for about a year.

When a year has passed, the liqueur is filtered again, then mixed with sugar, caramel, alcohol, and water. It is filtered one last time and then bottled. It is a digestif spirit similar to other central European stomach bitters, such as Gammel Dansk from Denmark, Unicum from Hungary, and Becherovka from the Czech Republic. In contrast to those beverages, Jagermeister has a sweeter taste.

Q.

From this paragraph we can deduce the following about Jagermeister:

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 21

The passage states that it needs 56 herbs, fruits, roots and spices that need to be ground, steeped in water and alcohol, filtered, mixed with sugar, caramel, alcohol and water, filtered and bottled. Thus, we can safely conclude that the Jagermeister is a complicated drink to manufacture.Options 1, -passage says that the Jagermeister is sweeter- 3, -the passage doesn’t say what a digestif spirit is- 4, -nothing is said about their taste- and 5, -56 herbs are needed- are either incorrect or cannot be deduced from the passage.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 22

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

Jagermeister’s ingredients include 56 herbs, fruits, roots, and spices including citrus peel, liquorice, anise, poppy seeds, saffron, ginger, juniper berries and ginseng. These ingredients are ground, then steeped in water and alcohol for 2-3 days. Afterwards, this mixture is filtered and stored in oak barrels for about a year.

When a year has passed, the liqueur is filtered again, then mixed with sugar, caramel, alcohol, and water. It is filtered one last time and then bottled. It is a digestif spirit similar to other central European stomach bitters, such as Gammel Dansk from Denmark, Unicum from Hungary, and Becherovka from the Czech Republic. In contrast to those beverages, Jagermeister has a sweeter taste.

Q.

How much time does it take to prepare Jagermeister?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 22

The passage states that you have to store the filtered mixture in barrel for a year and that you need to steep the ingredients in alcohol for 2-3 days at least. After that it has to be filtered again. Thus, the whole thing (preparation) will take a year at least. Thus options 1,2, 3 and 4 can be eliminated. Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 23

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

Jagermeister’s ingredients include 56 herbs, fruits, roots, and spices including citrus peel, liquorice, anise, poppy seeds, saffron, ginger, juniper berries and ginseng. These ingredients are ground, then steeped in water and alcohol for 2-3 days. Afterwards, this mixture is filtered and stored in oak barrels for about a year.

When a year has passed, the liquour is filtered again, then mixed with sugar, caramel, alcohol, and water. It is filtered one last time and then bottled. It is a digestive spirit similar to other central European stomach bitters, such as Gammel Dansk from Denmark, Unicum from Hungary, and Becherovka from the Czech Republic. In contrast to those beverages, Jagermeister has a sweeter taste.

Q.

Choose the synonym of the given word.

'Portent'

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 23

"Portent" is synonymous with "omen". Hence, the correct answer is option 5

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 24

Answer the following question based on the information given below.

In the 1970s, while campuses were embroiled in debate about how to increase African-Americans and women on the faculty, universities were also putting into effect schemes to increase minority presence within the student body. Very selective universities, in particular, needed new initiatives because only a handful of African-American and Hispanic high school students possessed test scores and grades good enough to make them eligible for admission. These institutions faced a choice: retain their admissions criteria unchanged and live with the upshot—hardly any African-Americans and Hispanics on campus—or fiddle with their criteria to get a more substantial representation. Most elected the second path.

The Medical School of the University of California at Davis was typical. It reserved sixteen of the one hundred slots in its entering classes for minorities. In 1973 and again in 1974, Allan Bakke, a white applicant, was denied admission although his test scores and grades were better than most or all of those admitted through the special program. He sued. In 1977, his case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, reached the Supreme Court. The Court rendered its decision a year later.

An attentive reader of the Civil Rights Act might have thought this case was an easy call. So, too, thought four justices on the Supreme Court, who voted to order Bakke admitted to the Medical School. Led by Justice Stevens, they saw the racially segregated, two-track scheme at the Medical School (a recipient of federal funds) as a clear violation of this Act.

Q.

What is it that most of the very selective universities opted to do in the 1970s?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 24

The first paragraph says that universities were trying to increase the minority presence in their student body but were hampered by the fact that most African-Americans and Hispanics had test scores or grades that were not good enough for admission. This meant that the universities either had to make peace with the idea of not having enough minority representation, or they had to “fiddle with their criteria” to accommodate minority students with sub-standard grades. The passage mentions that most opted for the second choice: validating option 1.Option 2 is eliminated by the explanation for option 1.Only one specific university, The Medical School of the University of California at Davis did what is described in option 3.Option 4 has no supporting information in the passage.Option 5 is a general statement in the passage as to what campuses were discussing in the 1970s; it is in no way related to the question stem of 'what most of the very selective universities opted to do'.Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 25

Answer the following question based on the information given below.

In the 1970s, while campuses were embroiled in debate about how to increase African-Americans and women on the faculty, universities were also putting into effect schemes to increase minority presence within the student body. Very selective universities, in particular, needed new initiatives because only a handful of African-American and Hispanic high school students possessed test scores and grades good enough to make them eligible for admission. These institutions faced a choice: retain their admissions criteria unchanged and live with the upshot—hardly any African-Americans and Hispanics on campus—or fiddle with their criteria to get a more substantial representation. Most elected the second path.

The Medical School of the University of California at Davis was typical. It reserved sixteen of the one hundred slots in its entering classes for minorities. In 1973 and again in 1974, Allan Bakke, a white applicant, was denied admission although his test scores and grades were better than most or all of those admitted through the special program. He sued. In 1977, his case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, reached the Supreme Court. The Court rendered its decision a year later.

An attentive reader of the Civil Rights Act might have thought this case was an easy call. So, too, thought four justices on the Supreme Court, who voted to order Bakke admitted to the Medical School. Led by Justice Stevens, they saw the racially segregated, two-track scheme at the Medical School (a recipient of federal funds) as a clear violation of this Act.

Q.

 Going by the logic used in the case study presented in the passage, give your opinion as to what  the Supreme Court's decision would have been (in the 1970s) in the following case:

An African-American student Ben and a white student Eric applied for admission to a certain university that followed a racially-segregated scheme wherein a certain number of seats were reserved for minorities. Neither Ben nor Eric gained admission. Ben had higher marks than most of the students in the reserved category, but Eric had less marks than them. They sued the university. What was the Supreme Court's ruling and why?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 25

The passage makes it clear that the Supreme Court judges do not agree with racial segregation and believe that merit should be the only factor while considering a student for admission. The student's race should not affect the decision. Ben being denied admission despite having more marks than students successfully admitted to the university is definitely wrong. Eric has been denied admission for not being meritorious enough; the students in the special category itself having more marks than him clearly shows this. He does not deserve admission. Therefore, option 2 is correct.Eric cannot get admission solely on the strength of his being white. Eliminate option 1.Both students getting admission would be incorrect as only one was meritorious. Eliminate option 3. Option 4 is incorrect as it is unfair to Ben, who is a meritorious student.Option 5 is something that the Supreme Court would not agree with as they are against racial segregation. Eric is not a meritorious student.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 26

Answer the following question based on the information given below.

In the 1970s, while campuses were embroiled in debate about how to increase African-Americans and women on the faculty, universities were also putting into effect schemes to increase minority presence within the student body. Very selective universities, in particular, needed new initiatives because only a handful of African-American and Hispanic high school students possessed test scores and grades good enough to make them eligible for admission. These institutions faced a choice: retain their admissions criteria unchanged and live with the upshot—hardly any African-Americans and Hispanics on campus—or fiddle with their criteria to get a more substantial representation. Most elected the second path.

The Medical School of the University of California at Davis was typical. It reserved sixteen of the one hundred slots in its entering classes for minorities. In 1973 and again in 1974, Allan Bakke, a white applicant, was denied admission although his test scores and grades were better than most or all of those admitted through the special program. He sued. In 1977, his case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, reached the Supreme Court. The Court rendered its decision a year later.

An attentive reader of the Civil Rights Act might have thought this case was an easy call. So, too, thought four justices on the Supreme Court, who voted to order Bakke admitted to the Medical School. Led by Justice Stevens, they saw the racially segregated, two-track scheme at the Medical School (a recipient of federal funds) as a clear violation of this Act.

Q.

 Select the option that rearranges the part highlighted in bold in the most logical order. She spent her childhood moving in and out of foster homes in Los Angeles, living for a few snatched years with the mother who had reclaimed her before being dragged off, watched by her daughter, to a mental home.

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 26

Since "she" spent her childhood moving in and out of foster homes, it is clear that "she" refers to the child. Since "she" lived in foster homes, one can infer that it was the mother who reclaimed her and it was she (the mother) who was dragged off to a mental home while being watched by "her" (the child). Option 1 seems to alter the meaning conveyed by the original sentence.Option 3 is grammatically incorrect and logically inconsistent.Option 4 is incorrect since it implies that the mother had been reclaimed by the daughter while the original sentence states that the mother had reclaimed her daughter.Option 5 uses a dangling modifier, a grammatical construct that makes the subject of the sentence unclear; we cannot tell whether the mother had been dragged off to a mental home or the daughter. Thus, the only option that conveys all the information given while maintaining the correct syntax is option 2.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 27

Go through the caselet below and answer the questions that follow.

Miss Bhuvana loves her job. She wishes to progress in her company and continue there for another decade. She has been working for 2 years now and has always received good feedback about her work. Last week, the HR Director emailed all the employees that this year’s appraisal is going to be a performance based one and not a single bracket for everyone like previous years.

Q. 

At first, Miss Bhuvana was really worried but she decided to go on with her work. In your opinion, which of the options best explains her reason for doing so?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 27

The mail sent by the HR Director said that the appraisal will be ‘Performance based’. Option 1 could be an erroneous assumption as this is the first time that the appraisal will be based on performance and others might put in effort too.

Option 3 would probably lead to complacency and she would not have got back to work.

Option 4 is redundant as this year the appraisal process is completely different and performance is key. So she will have to prove herself all over again.

Option 5 is erroneous as it says she wouldn’t be appraised at all.

Option 2 is apt. Only by working hard and performing well will she receive a good appraisal and fulfil her career goal of working here for another decade and progressing in the company.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 28

Go through the caselet below and answer the questions that follow.

Miss Bhuvana loves her job. She wishes to progress in her company and continue there for another decade. She has been working for 2 years now and has always received good feedback about her work. Last week, the HR Director emailed all the employees that this year’s appraisal is going to be a performance based one and not a single bracket for everyone like previous years.

Q.

 The appraisal process was finally over. Miss Bhuvana got good verbal feedback from the department head. However, she only got a 5 percent hike in her salary. She was disappointed and was expecting raise of at least 12 to 15 percent. She feels disappointed. Incidentally, she has got an offer from another company with a similar job profile but offering her the current CTC she gets in this organization. If she takes this new job she has to accept the offer within the next ten days at any cost. However, she cannot imagine leaving the current organization where she has worked hard for 2 years with an aim to climb the management ladder.

Which of the following would be the best move for Miss Bhuvana?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 28

Option 1 would probably sour things with her current boss. It would also be a sign of arrogance. Also, if her goal is to progress within the same company she needs to be on good terms with higher management; this would not be a constructive step keeping that in mind.Option 2 would leave her in no man’s land if she leaves the job and also does not succeed in negotiating with the new firm (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush).Option 4 would also mean that she has given away her career and her efforts in the past have all gone to waste.Option 5 would involve too much of risk at this point.Option 3 would be a wise option for Bhuvana - negotiating with her current boss in a cordial way as well as being practical and looking for better prospects outside.Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 29

Go through the caselet below and answer the questions that follow.

Miss Bhuvana loves her job. She wishes to progress in her company and continue there for another decade. She has been working for 2 years now and has always received good feedback about her work. Last week, the HR Director emailed all the employees that this year’s appraisal is going to be a performance based one and not a single bracket for everyone like previous years.

Q.

The CEO of the company realizes that Bhuvana was given a very poor hike and it was not a fair reward for her work in the organization. He also learnt that she was looking out for work options elsewhere. He regretted that his loyal and sincere employee was put in this situation. He wanted to resolve this complicated situation. He was contemplating the following 5 actions in his mind.

A. Talk to Bhuvana and tell her that he would regret losing such a bright employee.

B. Speak to the HR Director and tell him that Bhuvana is a great employee.

C.  Chat with Bhuvana and her team mates during lunch to find out how it is going for her.

D. Tell the HR department that they would not be handling appraisals anymore.

E. Arrange a meeting with the HR Director, Miss Bhuvana and himself to sort out the situation.

Which of the following is the best sequence to resolve the problem?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 29

The CEO is responsible for the entire company and he needs to make sure that every department functions smoothly. Losing a good employee either in the form of Miss Bhuvana or the HR Director is not good for the company. He would need to understand the crux of the matter and then resolve it amicably.

Option 3 with B, A and E is a good option. Talking to the HR Director first would ensure that they are clear from the management point of view. Talking to Bhuvana would ensure that she knows that the CEO actually values her and her work. Finally step E would acknowledge the misfortune of the events in the past and would ensure smooth open door communication and redressal of grievances in the future.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 30

Read the following passage and answer the questions.

Palana & Co. is a manufacturer of high performance, low emission diesel engines and power generation sets. The organization operates in business-to-business markets and has been growing in terms of its global presence. The organization has to keep up with ever-rising customer expectations and also keep pace with global competitors. It emphasizes upon having a diverse and achievement-orientated workforce and views this as essential to the process of continuously improving performance.

The organization however, like other engineering businesses, is infamous for being class oriented and male-dominated. To recruit the best people and develop the company
competitively, it is necessary for Palana & Co. to move beyond its current approach, which is focused on local communities, particularly with regard to senior management.

Q.

As the head of HR, what strategy would you embark to facilitate this goal?

Detailed Solution for Practice Test for XAT - 8 - Question 30

Palana & Co. aims to keep pace with its global competitors, have a diverse and achievement-orientated work force and break the class and gender based stereotypes associated with it. As the head of HR, you need to keep all of these factors in mind before making a decision.Option 1 is biased against male managers.Harassment in the work space has not been put forth as one of the challenges that the organization needs to overcome. Eliminate option 3.A lot more needs to be done than merely creating a database of the best talent available in the industry. Eliminate option 4.Option 5 is biased against the local community.An inclusive hiring approach across all levels would be best suited in this situation. Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

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