GMAT Exam  >  GMAT Questions  >  Directions: Read the given passage carefully ... Start Learning for Free
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:
The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.
In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.
In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.
Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.
Q. What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?
  • a)
    To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the years
  • b)
    To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in its current form, stresses more on entertainment than on education 
  • c)
    To explain the origin of the Guinness Book 
  • d)
    To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling book in the world
  • e)
    To discuss how the Guinness Book originated and to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in its current form
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question a...
The basic argument of the author is that the buccaneers/pirates have only been presented in a very limited manner through books and press. (A) follows the best from this and is the correct answer.
(B) These sources have been called the ‘traditional sources’—however, there were other narratives also available.
(C) The author mentions the overlooking of the historical connection between the two and not it being ‘rewritten’.
(D) The author has only called for looking into the policies being followed by the two governments—their stand is not mentioned.
(E) The author is merely pondering on the efficacy of such a notion— he is not agreeing with it.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question a...
Origin and Evolution of the Guinness Book of Records
The main purpose of the author in writing the passage is to discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the years. Here's an explanation in detail:

Origins of the Guinness Book:
- The passage explains that the Guinness Book of Records was created in 1955 after a debate about Europe's fastest game bird.
- Initially, it was a marketing tool to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, and was sold to pub landlords.

Evolution of the Guinness Book:
- Over time, the book evolved and became the bestselling copyright title of all time, selling 120 million copies in over 100 countries.
- Initially focused on satisfying man's curiosity about the natural world, it later expanded to cover a wide range of modern life aspects.
- The book transitioned to the internet, offering a vast collection of records on the Guinness World Records website.
- While earlier editions focused on education-oriented facts, the current form of the book seems to cater more to entertainment.

Conclusion:
- The author explores how the Guinness Book of Records has transformed from its humble beginnings as a bar book to a global phenomenon.
- By discussing its origins and evolution, the passage provides insight into the significance and impact of the Guinness Book over the years.
Free Test
Community Answer
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question a...
The basic argument of the author is that the buccaneers/pirates have only been presented in a very limited manner through books and press. (A) follows the best from this and is the correct answer.
(B) These sources have been called the ‘traditional sources’—however, there were other narratives also available.
(C) The author mentions the overlooking of the historical connection between the two and not it being ‘rewritten’.
(D) The author has only called for looking into the policies being followed by the two governments—their stand is not mentioned.
(E) The author is merely pondering on the efficacy of such a notion— he is not agreeing with it.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Top Courses for GMAT

Question Description
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow:The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe’s fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries—quite a leap from its humble beginnings.In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man’s innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best.In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world’s longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of factfinding and record-recording.Q.What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?a)To discuss the origins of the Guinness Book and its evolution over the yearsb)To criticize the fact that the Guinness Book, in itscurrent form, stresses more on entertainment than on educationc)To explain the origin of the Guinness Bookd)To analyze what makes the Guinness Book the largest selling bookin the worlde)To discuss how the Guinness Book originatedand to advocate against the commercialization of the Book in itscurrent formCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Top Courses for GMAT

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev