RC: History - 2 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Passage

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
The Renaissance, a period of cultural rebirth and fervent intellectual activity, unfolded in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. It marked a profound shift from the medieval worldview to a new ethos that emphasized humanism, art, science, and a rediscovery of the classical antiquity's intellectual heritage.
At the heart of the Renaissance was the flourishing of humanism, a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, both individually and collectively. Humanists sought to understand human nature through the study of classical literature, history, and moral philosophy. Figures such as Petrarch, known as the "Father of Humanism," and Erasmus, with his call for religious reform and intellectual freedom, were central to this movement.
Art witnessed a remarkable transformation during the Renaissance. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo transcended the conventions of their time, focusing on anatomical precision, perspective, and a more naturalistic representation of human emotion. Their works not only exemplified the artistic genius of the era but also reflected the broader intellectual currents of humanism.
The Renaissance was also a time of scientific awakening. The period saw monumental advancements in various fields, such as astronomy, physics, and anatomy. Thinkers like Galileo Galilei challenged the Ptolemaic view of the universe, advocating for a heliocentric model. Similarly, Andreas Vesalius's meticulous studies of the human body laid the foundations for modern anatomy.
Despite its glories, the Renaissance was not without its paradoxes and conflicts. The same period that saw unparalleled artistic and intellectual growth also witnessed the brutal realities of political power struggles, religious wars, and the onset of European colonialism. The era's accomplishments were often shadowed by the darker aspects of human nature.
In retrospect, the Renaissance stands as a complex tapestry of human achievement and frailty. Its legacy continues to shape our understanding of art, science, and the intrinsic potential of human creativity.
Q1: Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
(a) The Renaissance exclusively promoted scientific inquiry, neglecting the arts.
(b) The Renaissance was marked by an increased focus on human potential and the study of classical antiquity.
(c) Petrarch and Erasmus were primarily known for their contributions to Renaissance art.
(d) The Renaissance period was devoid of any political or religious conflicts. 

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Q2: Which one of the following statements, if true, would contradict the facts/arguments in the passage?
(a) The Renaissance saw a decline in the study of classical literature and philosophy.
(b) Renaissance artists strove for greater realism and emotional expression in their work.
(c) Scientific figures of the Renaissance era contributed significantly to their respective fields.
(d) The Renaissance was characterized by both cultural achievements and societal challenges. 

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Q3: "The Renaissance stands as a complex tapestry of human achievement and frailty." In the context of the passage, which one of the following is not a possible implication of the quoted statement? 
(a) The Renaissance was a period of unblemished progress and harmony.
(b) Human creativity and intellectual pursuits reached new heights during the Renaissance.
(c) The Renaissance encompassed both the noble and darker aspects of human nature.
(d) Political and religious conflicts were part of the Renaissance narrative. 

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Q4: Which one of the following statements would be an accurate inference from the description of the Renaissance? 
(a) The Renaissance was an era that completely rejected the intellectual heritage of classical antiquity.
(b) Humanism played a significant role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the Renaissance.
(c) Scientific advancements were wholly absent during the Renaissance period.
(d) Artistic expression during the Renaissance was limited to religious themes. 

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