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Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) PDF Download

Q1 to 4: The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.
The Positivists, anxious to stake out their claim for history as a science, contributed the weight of their influence to the cult of facts. First ascertain the facts, said the positivists, then draw your conclusions from them. . . . This is what may [be] called the common-sense view of history. History consists of a corpus of ascertained facts. The facts are available to the historian in documents, inscriptions, and so on . . . [Sir George Clark] contrasted the "hard core of facts" in history with the surrounding pulp of disputable interpretation forgetting perhaps that the pulpy part of the fruit is more rewarding than the hard core. . . . It recalls the favourite dictum of the great liberal journalist C. P. Scott: "Facts are sacred, opinion is free.". . .

What is a historical fact? . . . According to the common-sense view, there are certain basic facts which are the same for all historians and which form, so to speak, the backbone of history—the fact, for example, that the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066. But this view calls for two observations. In the first place, it is not with facts like these that the historian is primarily concerned. It is no doubt important to know that the great battle was fought in 1066 and not in 1065 or 1067, and that it was fought at Hastings and not at Eastbourne or Brighton. The historian must not get these things wrong. But [to] praise a historian for his accuracy is like praising an architect for using well-seasoned timber or properly mixed concrete in his building. It is a necessary condition of his work, but not his essential function. It is precisely for matters of this kind that the historian is entitled to rely on what have been called the "auxiliary sciences" of history—archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, chronology, and so forth. . . .

The second observation is that the necessity to establish these basic facts rests not on any quality in the facts themselves, but on an apriori decision of the historian. In spite of C. P. Scott's motto, every journalist knows today that the most effective way to influence opinion is by the selection and arrangement of the appropriate facts. It used to be said that facts speak for themselves. This is, of course, untrue. The facts speak only when the historian calls on them: it is he who decides to which facts to give the floor, and in what order or context. . . . The only reason why we are interested to know that the battle was fought at Hastings in 1066 is that historians regard it as a major historical event. . . . Professor Talcott Parsons once called [science] "a selective system of cognitive orientations to reality." It might perhaps have been put more simply. But history is, among other things, that. The historian is necessarily selective. The belief in a hard core of historical facts existing objectively and independently of the interpretation of the historian is a preposterous fallacy, but one which it is very hard to eradicate.

Q1: According to this passage, which one of the following statements best describes the significance of archaeology for historians?
(a) Archaeology helps historians to locate the oldest civilisations in history.
(b) Archaeology helps historians to ascertain factual accuracy.
(c) Archaeology helps historians to carry out their primary duty.
(d) Archaeology helps historians to interpret historical facts.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (b)
The passage suggests that historians can rely on disciplines such as archaeology, among others, to establish basic facts. The relevant portion of the passage is:
"But [to] praise a historian for his accuracy is like praising an architect for using well-seasoned timber or properly mixed concrete in his building. It is a necessary condition of his work, but not his essential function. It is precisely for matters of this kind that the historian is entitled to rely on what have been called the 'auxiliary sciences' of history—archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, chronology, and so forth."
In this context, the "auxiliary sciences" are mentioned as tools that historians can use to ensure the accuracy of basic facts. Archaeology is included in this list, suggesting that it helps historians in ascertaining factual accuracy by providing evidence from material remains, artifacts, and other archaeological findings. Therefore, Option B correctly reflects the role of archaeology in supporting historians in their pursuit of factual accuracy.

Q2: All of the following, if true, can weaken the passage’s claim that facts do not speak for themselves, EXCEPT:
(a) the truth value of a fact is independent of the historian who expresses it.
(b) a fact, by its very nature, is objective and universal, irrespective of the context in which it is placed.
(c) facts, like truth, can be relative: what is fact for person X may not be so for person Y.
(d) the order in which a series of facts is presented does not have any bearing on the production of meaning.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Option C is the correct answer because it aligns with the passage's perspective that the interpretation of facts is subjective and can be influenced by different perspectives. The passage argues that historians play a crucial role in selecting and interpreting facts, and Option C supports this idea by suggesting that facts, like truth, can be relative.
If facts are relative, it means that what one person considers a fact may not be viewed the same way by another person. This relativity of facts supports the notion that the historian's interpretation and perspective play a significant role in determining what is considered a fact. Therefore, Option C, if true, reinforces the passage's claim that facts are not entirely objective and independent of the historian's perspective, and it does not weaken the passage's argument.

Q3: If the author of the passage were to write a book on the Battle of Hastings along the lines of his/her own reasoning, the focus of the historical account would be on:
(a) exploring the socio-political and economic factors that led to the Battle.
(b) producing a detailed timeline of the various events that led to the Battle.
(c) deriving historical facts from the relevant documents and inscriptions.
(d) providing a nuanced interpretation by relying on the auxiliary sciences.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
The passage suggests that while establishing basic facts is necessary, the essential function of historians goes beyond this. It emphasizes the selective and interpretive nature of historical writing, where historians are expected to go deeper into understanding the context and motivations behind historical events.

  • Option A, which involves exploring the socio-political and economic factors that led to the Battle of Hastings, is in line with the idea of providing a nuanced interpretation. This option indicates a focus on understanding the underlying causes and influences that shaped the historical event, reflecting a more comprehensive and contextual approach to historical writing.
  • Option B: While timelines are important, the author suggests that the historian's essential function goes beyond establishing basic chronological facts.
  • Option C: The author acknowledges the importance of basic facts but argues that historians must go beyond mere fact-finding.
  • Option D: While the author acknowledges the use of auxiliary sciences, it also suggests that the historian's focus should go beyond relying solely on these sciences for basic facts, emphasizing the historian's selective and interpretive role in presenting historical events.

Q4: All of the following describe the “common-sense view” of history, EXCEPT:
(a) real history can be found in ancient engravings and archival documents.
(b) only the positivist methods can lead to credible historical knowledge.
(c) history is like science: a selective system of cognitive orientations to reality.
(d) history can be objective like the sciences if it is derived from historical facts.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
“According to the common-sense view, there are certain basic facts which are the same for all historians and which form, so to speak, the backbone of history:

  • The common-sense view of history, as described in the passage, emphasizes that history consists of a body of ascertained facts found in documents and engravings. In contrast, Option C suggests that history is like science, framing it as a selective system of cognitive orientations to reality. This characterization does not align with the common-sense view, which is more concerned with factual accuracy and tangible historical evidence rather than presenting history as a selective system akin to science. Therefore Option C is the correct answer.
  • Option A accurately reflects the common-sense view as described in the passage.
    The common-sense view includes a broader acceptance of historical methods beyond positivism, as mentioned in the passage (option B) and as per the passage, involves a fallacy in believing that historical facts are objective and independent of interpretation (Option D).

Q5 to 8: The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

Umberto Eco, an Italian writer, was right when he said the language of Europe is translation. Netflix and other deep-pocketed global firms speak it well. Just as the EU employs a small army of translators and interpreters to turn intricate laws or impassioned speeches of Romanian MEPs into the EU’s 24 official languages, so do the likes of Netflix. It now offers dubbing in 34 languages and subtitling in a few more. . . .

The economics of European productions are more appealing, too. American audiences are more willing than before to give dubbed or subtitled viewing a chance. This means shows such as “Lupin”, a French crime caper on Netflix, can become global hits. . . . In 2015, about 75% of Netflix’s original content was American; now the figure is half, according to Ampere, a media-analysis company. Netflix has about 100 productions under way in Europe, which is more than big public broadcasters in France or Germany. . . .

Not everything works across borders. Comedy sometimes struggles. Whodunits and bloodthirsty maelstroms between arch Romans and uppity tribesmen have a more universal appeal. Some do it better than others. Barbarians aside, German television is not always built for export, says one executive, being polite. A bigger problem is that national broadcasters still dominate. Streaming services, such as Netflix or Disney+, account for about a third of all viewing hours, even in markets where they are well-established. Europe is an ageing continent. The generation of teens staring at phones is outnumbered by their elders who prefer to gawp at the box.

In Brussels and national capitals, the prospect of Netflix as a cultural hegemon is seen as a threat. “Cultural sovereignty” is the watchword of European executives worried that the Americans will eat their lunch. To be fair, Netflix content sometimes seems stuck in an uncanny valley somewhere in the mid-Atlantic, with local quirks stripped out. Netflix originals tend to have fewer specific cultural references than shows produced by domestic rivals, according to Enders, a market analyst. The company used to have an imperial model of commissioning, with executives in Los Angeles cooking up ideas French people might like. Now Netflix has offices across Europe. But ultimately the big decisions rest with American executives. This makes European politicians nervous.

They should not be. An irony of European integration is that it is often American companies that facilitate it. Google Translate makes European newspapers comprehensible, even if a little clunky, for the continent’s non-polyglots. American social-media companies make it easier for Europeans to talk politics across borders. (That they do not always like to hear what they say about each other is another matter.) Now Netflix and friends pump the same content into homes across a continent, making culture a cross-border endeavour, too. If Europeans are to share a currency, bail each other out in times of financial need and share vaccines in a pandemic, then they need to have something in common—even if it is just bingeing on the same series. Watching fictitious northern and southern Europeans tear each other apart 2,000 years ago beats doing so in reality.

Q5: Based on information provided in the passage, all of the following are true, EXCEPT:
(a) European television productions have the potential to become global hits.
(b) Netflix has been able to transform itself into a truly European entity.
(c) only half of Netflix’s original programming in the EU is now produced in America.
(d) national broadcasters dominate in the EU in terms of total television viewing hours.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (b)

  • Option B is not supported by the information in the passage. While the passage mentions that Netflix has offices across Europe, it also notes that the big decisions still rest with American executives. The passage suggests that Netflix's content might still exhibit a somewhat mid-Atlantic quality, and the company's executive decisions remain under the control of Americans, making it less accurate to claim that Netflix has completely transformed into a truly European entity.
  • Option A is supported by the passage, which mentions shows like "Lupin," a French crime caper on Netflix, becoming global hits.
  • Option C: The passage specifically mentions that, according to Ampere, a media-analysis company, in 2015, about 75% of Netflix’s original content was American, but now the figure is half. This indicates a shift in the geographical distribution of Netflix's original programming, with a decrease in the proportion of American content.
  • Option D is true as the passage mentions that streaming services like Netflix account for about a third of all viewing hours, challenging the dominance of national broadcasters.

Q6: The author sees the rise of Netflix in Europe as:
(a) a unifying force.
(b) filling an entertainment gap.
(c) a looming cultural threat.
(d) an economic threat.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Option A is the correct answer because the passage emphasizes that the rise of Netflix in Europe is seen as a unifying force. The author notes that Netflix and similar streaming services, by pumping the same content into homes across the continent, contribute to making culture a cross-border endeavor. This is described as a shared experience among Europeans, as they binge-watch the same series. The idea is that having a common cultural experience, facilitated by platforms like Netflix, can be a unifying factor among the diverse populations of Europe. Therefore, the rise of Netflix is portrayed in a positive light as a force that brings people together through shared cultural consumption.

Q7: Based only on information provided in the passage, which one of the following hypothetical Netflix shows would be most successful with audiences across the EU?
(a) An Italian comedy show hosted by an international star.
(b) An original German TV science fiction production.
(c) A murder mystery drama set in North Africa and France.
(d) A trans-Atlantic romantic drama set in Europe and America.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
The passage mentions that certain genres, particularly murder mysteries and dramatic conflicts like "bloodthirsty maelstroms between arch Romans and uppity tribesmen," have a more universal appeal. This suggests that themes involving suspense, mystery, and conflicts can transcend cultural boundaries and be attractive to a broader audience.
Therefore, a murder mystery drama set in North Africa and France aligns with the passage's implication that such themes have a more universal appeal, making it likely to be successful with audiences across the diverse countries of the EU. So Option C is the correct answer.

  • Option A is incorrect as the passage doesn't provide information on the appeal of comedy specifically, and the success of a show depends on various factors beyond the host's international status.
  • Option B: While science fiction may have a global appeal, the passage emphasizes genres like murder mysteries having a more universal appeal.
  • Option D: The passage doesn't discuss the appeal of romantic dramas, and the trans-Atlantic setting may not necessarily align with the passage's suggestion that certain themes work better across borders within Europe.

Q8: Which one of the following research findings would weaken the author’s conclusion in the final paragraph?
(a) Research shows there is a wide variance in the popularity and viewing of Netflix shows across different EU countries.
(b) Research shows that Netflix has been gradually losing market share to other streaming television service providers.
(c) Research shows that Netflix hits produced in France are very popular with North American audiences.
(d) Research shows that older women across the EU enjoy watching romantic comedies on Netflix, whereas younger women prefer historical fiction dramas.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
The author concludes that the rise of Netflix in Europe is seen as a unifying force, emphasizing shared experiences through common series. If research were to show a wide variance in the popularity and viewing of Netflix shows across different EU countries (Option A), it would suggest that the impact of Netflix on cultural unity is not as consistent or unifying as the author implies. The wide variance could indicate that cultural preferences or barriers within different EU countries limit the effectiveness of Netflix as a unifying force across the entire region.Therefore Option A is the correct answer.

  • Option B: While this finding could have implications for Netflix's business, it doesn't necessarily address the cultural unifying aspect mentioned in the author's conclusion.
  • Option C: This finding doesn't directly relate to the author's conclusion about Netflix serving as a unifying force within Eur
  • Option D: While this finding highlights audience preferences, it doesn't directly address the author's conclusion regarding the cross-border unifying role of Netflix in Europe.

Q9 to 10: The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

The Second Hand September campaign, led by Oxfam . . . seeks to encourage shopping at local organisations and charities as alternatives to fast fashion brands such as Primark and Boohoo in the name of saving our planet. As innocent as mindless scrolling through online shops may seem, such consumers are unintentionally—or perhaps even knowingly —contributing to an industry that uses more energy than aviation. . . .

Brits buy more garments than any other country in Europe, so it comes as no shock that many of those clothes end up in UK landfills each year: 300,000 tonnes of them, to be exact. This waste of clothing is destructive to our planet, releasing greenhouse gasses as clothes are burnt as well as bleeding toxins and dyes into the surrounding soil and water. As ecologist Chelsea Rochman bluntly put it, “The mismanagement of our waste has even come back to haunt us on our dinner plate.

It’s not surprising, then, that people are scrambling for a solution, the most common of which is second-hand shopping. Retailers selling consigned clothing are currently expanding at a rapid rate . . . If everyone bought just one used item in a year, it would save 449 million lbs of waste, equivalent to the weight of 1 million Polar bears. “Thrifting” has increasingly become a trendy practice. London is home to many second-hand, or more commonly coined ‘vintage’, shops across the city from Bayswater to Brixton.

So you’re cool and you care about the planet; you’ve killed two birds with one stone. But do people simply purchase a second-hand item, flash it on Instagram with #vintage and call it a day without considering whether what they are doing is actually effective?

According to a study commissioned by Patagonia, for instance, older clothes shed more microfibres. These can end up in our rivers and seas after just one wash due to the worn material, thus contributing to microfibre pollution. To break it down, the amount of microfibres released by laundering 100,000 fleece jackets is equivalent to as many as 11,900 plastic grocery bags, and up to 40 per cent of that ends up in our oceans. . . . So where does this leave second-hand consumers? [They would be well advised to buy] high-quality items that shed less and last longer [as this] combats both microfibre pollution and excess garments ending up in landfills. . . 

Luxury brands would rather not circulate their latest season stock around the globe to be sold at a cheaper price, which is why companies like ThredUP, a US fashion resale marketplace, have not yet caught on in the UK. There will always be a market for consignment but there is also a whole generation of people who have been taught that only buying new products is the norm; second-hand luxury goods are not in their psyche. Ben Whitaker, director at Liquidation Firm B-Stock, told Prospect that unless recycling becomes cost-effective and filters into mass production, with the right technology to partner it, “high-end retailers would rather put brand before sustainability.”

Q9: The central idea of the passage would be undermined if:
(a) customers bought all their clothes online.
(b) clothes were not thrown and burnt in landfills
(c) second-hand stores sold only high-quality clothes.
(d) Primark and Boohoo recycled their clothes for vintage stores

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Option C would undermine the central idea because the passage emphasizes the importance of second-hand shopping not just for high-quality clothes but as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fast fashion. If second-hand stores limited their inventory to only high-quality items, it might restrict the variety and affordability that makes second-hand shopping an accessible and eco-friendly option for a broader audience. The central idea of promoting second-hand shopping as a solution to the environmental impact of the fashion industry involves encouraging people to buy used items in general, not just high-quality ones. Therefore, limiting second-hand stores to high-quality clothes could hinder the effectiveness and inclusivity of the sustainable fashion movement advocated in the passage.
Option A is more about the purchasing channel than the nature of the clothes so it does not necessarily undermine the central idea of the passage.
Option B supports the central idea by reducing environmental harm.
Option D could align with the sustainability goal and support the central idea, so it doesn't necessarily undermine it.

Q10: According to the author, companies like ThredUP have not caught on in the UK for all of the following reasons EXCEPT that:
(a) recycling is currently not financially attractive for luxury brands.
(b) luxury brands want to maintain their brand image.
(c) luxury brands do not like their product to be devalued.
(d) the British don’t buy second-hand clothing.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Option D is the correct answer because the passage does not mention or suggest that the British don't buy second-hand clothing. Instead, the passage discusses challenges related to luxury brands and their reluctance to circulate their latest season stock globally at a cheaper price. The reasons mentioned include the financial aspect(Option A), concerns about brand image(Option B), and the desire to avoid devaluing their products(Option D). Therefore, the passage does not attribute the slow adoption of companies like ThredUP in the UK to the British not buying second-hand clothing.

Q11 to 12: The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

The Second Hand September campaign, led by Oxfam . . . seeks to encourage shopping at local organisations and charities as alternatives to fast fashion brands such as Primark and Boohoo in the name of saving our planet. As innocent as mindless scrolling through online shops may seem, such consumers are unintentionally—or perhaps even knowingly —contributing to an industry that uses more energy than aviation. . . .

Brits buy more garments than any other country in Europe, so it comes as no shock that many of those clothes end up in UK landfills each year: 300,000 tonnes of them, to be exact. This waste of clothing is destructive to our planet, releasing greenhouse gasses as clothes are burnt as well as bleeding toxins and dyes into the surrounding soil and water. As ecologist Chelsea Rochman bluntly put it, “The mismanagement of our waste has even come back to haunt us on our dinner plate.”

It’s not surprising, then, that people are scrambling for a solution, the most common of which is second-hand shopping. Retailers selling consigned clothing are currently expanding at a rapid rate . . . If everyone bought just one used item in a year, it would save 449 million lbs of waste, equivalent to the weight of 1 million Polar bears. “Thrifting” has increasingly become a trendy practice. London is home to many second-hand, or more commonly coined ‘vintage’, shops across the city from Bayswater to Brixton.

So you’re cool and you care about the planet; you’ve killed two birds with one stone. But do people simply purchase a second-hand item, flash it on Instagram with #vintage and call it a day without considering whether what they are doing is actually effective?

According to a study commissioned by Patagonia, for instance, older clothes shed more microfibres. These can end up in our rivers and seas after just one wash due to the worn material, thus contributing to microfibre pollution. To break it down, the amount of microfibres released by laundering 100,000 fleece jackets is equivalent to as many as 11,900 plastic grocery bags, and up to 40 per cent of that ends up in our oceans. . . . So where does this leave second-hand consumers? [They would be well advised to buy] high-quality items that shed less and last longer [as this] combats both microfibre pollution and excess garments ending up in landfills. . . .

Luxury brands would rather not circulate their latest season stock around the globe to be sold at a cheaper price, which is why companies like ThredUP, a US fashion resale marketplace, have not yet caught on in the UK. There will always be a market for consignment but there is also a whole generation of people who have been taught that only buying new products is the norm; second-hand luxury goods are not in their psyche. Ben Whitaker, director at Liquidation Firm B-Stock, told Prospect that unless recycling becomes cost-effective and filters into mass production, with the right technology to partner it, “high-end retailers would rather put brand before sustainability.”

Q11: Based on the passage, we can infer that the opposite of fast fashion, ‘slow fashion’, would most likely refer to clothes that:
(a) are of high quality and long lasting.
(b) do not bleed toxins and dyes.
(c) are sold by genuine vintage stores.
(d) do not shed microfibres.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Option A is the correct answer because the passage emphasizes the environmental issues associated with fast fashion, including the wasteful disposal of garments in landfills. The opposite of this disposable and rapid turnover nature of fast fashion would be a more sustainable and durable approach, which aligns with the idea of "slow fashion."
The passage suggests that buying high-quality items that last longer is a way to combat the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry. Therefore, 'slow fashion' can be inferred to refer to clothes that are of high quality and long-lasting, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to fashion consumption.

Q12: The act of “thrifting”, as described in the passage, can be considered ironic because it:
(a) has created environmental problems.
(b) is not cost-effective for retailers
(c) offers luxury clothing at cut-rate prices.
(d) is an anti-consumerist attitude.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
The irony of "thrifting," as discussed in the passage, is rooted in its unintended environmental consequences. While thrifting is commonly associated with sustainable and eco-friendly practices, the passage highlights a potential environmental issue linked to the act. Specifically, the passage mentions a study commissioned by Patagonia that reveals older clothes, often found in second-hand stores, tend to shed more microfibers. These microfibers can end up in rivers and oceans, contributing to microfiber pollution. Therefore, the seemingly environmentally conscious act of thrifting, aimed at reducing waste, may inadvertently result in environmental problems through the shedding of microfibers during the washing of older garments.Therefore Option A is the correct answer.

Q13 to 16: The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.

Over the past four centuries liberalism has been so successful that it has driven all its opponents off the battlefield. Now it is disintegrating, destroyed by a mix of hubris and internal contradictions, according to Patrick Deneen, a professor of politics at the University of Notre Dame. . . . Equality of opportunity has produced a new meritocratic aristocracy that has all the aloofness of the old aristocracy with none of its sense of noblesse oblige. Democracy has degenerated into a theatre of the absurd. And technological advances are reducing ever more areas of work into meaningless drudgery. “The gap between liberalism’s claims about itself and the lived reality of the citizenry” is now so wide that “the lie can no longer be accepted,” Mr Deneen writes. What better proof of this than the vision of 1,000 private planes whisking their occupants to Davos to discuss the question of “creating a shared future in a fragmented world”? . . .

Deneen does an impressive job of capturing the current mood of disillusionment, echoing leftwing complaints about rampant commercialism, right-wing complaints about narcissistic and bullying students, and general worries about atomisation and selfishness. But when he concludes that all this adds up to a failure of liberalism, is his argument convincing? . . . He argues that the essence of liberalism lies in freeing individuals from constraints. In fact, liberalism contains a wide range of intellectual traditions which provide different answers to the question of how to trade off the relative claims of rights and responsibilities, individual expression and social ties. . . . liberals experimented with a range of ideas from devolving power from the centre to creating national education systems.

Mr Deneen’s fixation on the essence of liberalism leads to the second big problem of his book: his failure to recognise liberalism’s ability to reform itself and address its internal problems. The late 19th century saw America suffering from many of the problems that are reappearing today, including the creation of a business aristocracy, the rise of vast companies, the corruption of politics and the sense that society was dividing into winners and losers. But a wide variety of reformers, working within the liberal tradition, tackled these problems head on. Theodore Roosevelt took on the trusts. Progressives cleaned up government corruption. University reformers modernised academic syllabuses and built ladders of opportunity. Rather than dying, liberalism reformed itself.

Mr Deneen is right to point out that the record of liberalism in recent years has been dismal. He is also right to assert that the world has much to learn from the premodern notions of liberty as self-mastery and self-denial. The biggest enemy of liberalism is not so much atomisation but old-fashioned greed, as members of the Davos elite pile their plates ever higher with perks and share options. But he is wrong to argue that the only way for people to liberate themselves from the contradictions of liberalism is “liberation from liberalism itself”. The best way to read “Why Liberalism Failed” is not as a funeral oration but as a call to action: up your game, or else.

Q13: The author of the passage refers to “the Davos elite” to illustrate his views on:
(a) the unlikelihood of a return to the liberalism of the past as long as the rich continue to benefit from the decline in liberal values.
(b) the way the debate around liberalism has been captured by the rich who have managed to insulate themselves from economic hardships.
(c) the hypocrisy of the liberal rich, who profess to subscribe to liberal values while cornering most of the wealth.
(d) the fact that the rise in liberalism had led to a greater interest in shared futures from unlikely social classes.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Option C is the correct answer because the mention of "the Davos elite" in the passage serves to illustrate the perceived hypocrisy of wealthy individuals who profess to adhere to liberal values while simultaneously amassing the majority of the wealth. The author points to the contradiction between the elite's participation in events like discussions on creating a shared future and their exclusive access to privileges, symbolized by the use of private planes. This highlights the critique that the liberal rich, represented by the Davos elite, may not align their actions with the egalitarian ideals they claim to support, emphasizing a discrepancy between rhetoric and behavior.

Option A is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly connect the decline in liberal values to the rich benefiting, but rather to internal contradictions and hubris.

Option B is incorrect as the passage does not focus on how the debate around liberalism is captured by the rich; instead, it critiques the actions of the Davos elite.

Option D is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that the rise in liberalism has led to greater interest in shared futures from unlikely social classes; rather, it critiques the behavior of the Davos elite as hypocritical.

Q14: All of the following statements are evidence of the decline of liberalism today, EXCEPT:
(a) “And technological advances are reducing ever more areas of work into meaningless drudgery.”
(b) “. . . the creation of a business aristocracy, the rise of vast companies . . .”
(c) “Democracy has degenerated into a theatre of the absurd.”
(d) “‘The gap between liberalism’s claims about itself and the lived reality of the citizenry’ is now so wide that ‘the lie can no longer be accepted,’. . .”

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Option A can be seen as a consequence or symptom rather than direct evidence of the decline of liberalism. It describes a result of technological advances, but it doesn't explicitly establish a causal link to the decline of liberalism.
The other options (B, C, and D) are more directly presented in the passage as evidence or indicators of the decline of liberalism.

Q15: The author of the passage is likely to disagree with all of the following statements, EXCEPT:
(a) claims about liberalism’s disintegration are exaggerated and misunderstand its core features.
(b) if we accept that liberalism is a dying ideal, we must work to find a viable substitute.
(c) liberalism was the dominant ideal in the past century, but it had to reform itself to remain so.
(d) the essence of liberalism lies in greater individual self-expression and freedoms.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
The author is likely to agree with the statement in Option C, as it aligns with the author's argument in the passage that liberalism has historically reformed itself in the face of challenges. The author emphasizes the ability of liberalism to address internal problems and reform rather than attributing its success to being the dominant ideal in the past century.

  • Option A: While the author emphasizes the historical ability of liberalism to reform itself, there is an acknowledgment of its current challenges and failures. Therefore, the author might not fully endorse the idea that claims about liberalism's disintegration are merely exaggerated misunderstandings.
  • Option B: The author may disagree with this statement as it suggests accepting liberalism's decline and seeking a substitute, which contradicts the call to reform liberalism.
  • Option D: The author may disagree with this statement as it simplifies the essence of liberalism, which the author argues encompasses various intellectual traditions and responses to the trade-off between rights and responsibilities.

Q16: The author of the passage faults Deneen’s conclusions for all of the following reasons, EXCEPT:
(a) its repeated harking back to premodern notions of liberty.
(b) its failure to note historical instances in which the process of declining liberalism has managed to reverse itself.
(c) its extreme pessimism about the future of liberalism today and predictions of an ultimate decline.
(d) its very narrow definition of liberalism limited to individual freedoms.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Option A is the correct answer because the passage does not explicitly identify Deneen's repeated emphasis on premodern notions of liberty as a reason for faulting his conclusions. While the passage criticizes Deneen for his extreme pessimism about the future of liberalism, his narrow definition of liberalism limited to individual freedoms, and his fixation on the essence of liberalism, it does not specifically address his tendency to hark back to premodern notions. Therefore, Option A stands out as an exception, as it does not align with the explicitly stated reasons for faulting Deneen's conclusions in the passage.

Q17: There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: 
Dualism was long held as the defining feature of developing countries in contrast to developed countries, where frontier technologies and high productivity were assumed to prevail.
Paragraph: ___(1)___. At the core of development economics lies the idea of ‘productive dualism’: that poor countries’ economies are split between a narrow ‘modern’ sector that uses advanced technologies and a larger ‘traditional’ sector characterized by very low productivity.___(2)___. While this distinction between developing and advanced economies may have made some sense in the 1950s and 1960s, it no longer appears to be very relevant. A combination of forces have produced a widening gap between the winners and those left behind.___(3)___. Convergence between poor and rich parts of the economy was arrested and regional disparities widened.___(4)___. As a result, policymakers in advanced economies are now grappling with the same questions that have long preoccupied developing economies: mainly how to close the gap with the more advanced parts of the economy.
(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (b)
The sentence best fits in Blank 2 because it directly elaborates on the concept of 'productive dualism' introduced in before Blank 2. It provides additional information about the distinction between the "modern" and "traditional" sectors in poor countries' economies and highlights the historical perspective that contrasts developing and developed countries. This sentence helps set the stage for the subsequent discussion about the relevance of this distinction in the present context.

Q18: There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: And probably much earlier, moving the documentation for kissing back 1,000 years compared to what was acknowledged in the scientific community.
Paragraph: Research has hypothesised that the earliest evidence of human lip kissing originated in a very specific geographical location in South Asia 3,500 years ago.___(1)___. From there it may have spread to other regions, simultaneously accelerating the spread of the herpes simplex virus 1. According to Dr Troels Pank Arbøll and Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, who in a new article in the journal Science draw on a range of written sources from the earliest Mesopotamian societies, kissing was already a well-established practice 4,500 years ago in the Middle East.___(2)___. In ancient Mesopotamia, people wrote in cuneiform script on clay tablets.___(3)___. Many thousands of these clay tablets have survived to this day, and they contain clear examples that kissing was considered a part of romantic intimacy in ancient times.___(4)___. “Kissing could also have been part of friendships and family members' relations," says Dr Troels Pank Arbøll, an expert on the history of medicine in Mesopotamia.
(a) Option 3
(b) Option 4
(c) Option 1
(d) Option 2 

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (d)
The sentence best fits in Blank 2. Placing it there provides additional information about the timeline and challenges the previously acknowledged timeline in the scientific community, creating a logical flow in the paragraph.

The sentence does not fit in Blank 1 as it does not add anything to the Sentence preceding Blank 1. Placing the sentence in Blank 3 would disrupt the flow of the passage as there is a direct link between the sentence preceding and the sentence following Blank 3. ( script on clay tablets………Many thousands of these clay tablets”.)
Similarly placing the Sentence in Blank 4 would disrupt the flow of the passage.

Q19: Five jumbled up sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.
1. The banning of Northern Lights could be considered a precursor to censoring books for “moral”, world view or religious reasons.
2. Attempts to ban books are attempts to silence authors who have summoned immense courage in telling their stories.
3. Now the banning and challenging of books in the US has escalated to an unprecedented level.
4. The widely acclaimed fantasy novel Northern Lights was banned in some parts of the US, and was the second most challenged book in the US.
5. The American Library Association documented an unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022, about 2,500 unique titles.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: 2

Sentence 2 is the odd one out because it introduces a broader statement about attempts to ban books and silence authors, while the other sentences are specifically focused on the banning and challenging of books in the US. Sentences 1, 3, 4, and 5 collectively form a coherent paragraph discussing the banning of Northern Lights and the escalation of book challenges in the US, while Sentence 2 introduces a different perspective that doesn't directly contribute to the flow of the paragraph regarding the specific incidents and trends mentioned in the other sentences.

Q20: Five jumbled up sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.
1. Self-care particularly links to loneliness, behavioural problems, and negative academic outcomes.
2. “Latchkey children” refers to children who routinely return home from school to empty homes and take care of themselves for extended periods of time.
3. Although self-care generally points to negative outcomes, it is important to consider that the bulk of research has yet to track long-term consequences.
4. In research and practice, the phrase “children in self-care” has come to replace latchkey in an effort to more accurately reflect the nature of their circumstances.
5. Although parents might believe that self-care would be beneficial for development, recent research has found quite the opposite.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: 3
Sentence 3 is the odd one out because it introduces a different perspective. While the other sentences discuss the negative outcomes associated with self-care in children, Sentence 3 suggests a need to consider that the bulk of research has yet to track long-term consequences. This sentence introduces a more neutral or balanced viewpoint that doesn't align with the general theme of the other sentences, which focus on the negative aspects of self-care for children.

The remaining sentences (1, 2, 4, and 5) can be put together to form a coherent paragraph discussing the concept of self-care in relation to children, particularly those referred to as "Latchkey children."

Q21: The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.
1. Like the ants that make up a colony, no single neuron holds complex information like self-awareness, hope or pride.
2. Although the human brain is not yet understood enough to identify the mechanism by which emergence functions, most neurobiologists agree that complex interconnections among the parts give rise to qualities that belong only to the whole.
3. Nonetheless, the sum of all neurons in the nervous system generate complex human emotions like fear and joy, none of which can be attributed to a single neuron.
4. Human consciousness is often called an emergent property of the human brain.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: 4132
The correct order is 4-1-3-2.
Sentence 4 introduces the main idea that human consciousness is often referred to as an emergent property of the human brain. This gives context for the discussion to be followed.
Now if we consider Sentences 1 and 3 we can see that Sentence 1 ends with “no single neuron holds complex information like self-awareness, hope or pride.” Sentence 3 builds on the idea in Sentence 1 by stating that, nonetheless, the collective activity of all neurons in the nervous system generates complex human emotions like fear and joy “Nonetheless, the sum of all neurons …..”. So we can infer that Sentence 3 must be following Sentence 1. Sentence 3 also supports the notion that emergent properties arise from the interaction of individual components.
Finally, Sentence 2 concludes the paragraph by explaining that although the exact mechanism of emergence in the human brain is not fully understood, neurobiologists agree that complex interconnections among the parts give rise to qualities specific to the whole. This sentence wraps up the discussion and reinforces the concept introduced Sentence 4.
Therefore the correct order is 4-1-3-2.

Q22: The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.
1. Contemporary African writing like ‘The Bottled Leopard’ voices this theme using two children and two backgrounds to juxtapose two varying cultures.
2. Chukwuemeka Ike explores the conflict, and casts the Western tradition as condescending, enveloping and unaccommodating towards local African practice.
3. However, their views contradict the reality, for a rich and sustaining local African cultural ethos exists for all who care, to see and experience.
4. Western Christian concepts tend to deny or feign ignorance about the existence of a genuine and enduring indigenous African tradition.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: 4321
The correct order is 4-3-1-2.
Sentence 4 introduces the conflict between Western Christian concepts and indigenous African tradition.This gives context for the discussion to be followed.
Now we can see that Sentence 3 starts with “However….” which implies that this sentence is challenging the views presented in Sentence 4 by asserting the existence of a rich indigenous African cultural ethos. Therefore Sentence 3 must be following Sentence 4.
Sentence 2 introduces Chuwkuemeka Ike and provides additional information about Chukwuemeka Ike's exploration of the conflict, adding depth to the discussion. Sentence 1 introduces an example of contemporary African writing that explores the conflict. It makes sense that first we give an example and then elaborate on it. Sentence 1 introduces the book; it is a logical inferences that Ike must be the author of this book.
Therefore Sentence 2 must be following Sentence 1.
Therefore the correct order is 4-3-1-2.

Q23: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
People spontaneously create counterfactual alternatives to reality when they think “if only” or “what if” and imagine how the past could have been different. The mind computes counterfactuals for many reasons. Counterfactuals explain the past and prepare for the future, they implicate various relations including causal ones, and they affect intentions and decisions. They modulate emotions such as regret and relief, and they support moral judgments such as blame. The ability to create counterfactuals develops throughout childhood and contributes to reasoning about other people's beliefs, including their false beliefs.
(a) Counterfactuals help people to prepare for the future by understanding intentions and making decisions.
(b) People create counterfactual alternatives to reality for various reasons, including reasoning about other people's beliefs.
(c) Counterfactual alternatives to reality are created for a variety of reasons and is part of one's developmental process.
(d) Counterfactual thinking helps to reverse past and future actions and reason out false beliefs.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
The passage discusses the phenomenon of counterfactual thinking, highlighting that people spontaneously create counterfactual alternatives to reality for various reasons. These reasons include explaining the past, preparing for the future, implicating various relations (including causal ones), affecting emotions, and supporting moral judgments. Additionally, the passage mentions that the ability to create counterfactuals develops throughout childhood and contributes to reasoning about other people's beliefs. Option C effectively encompasses these key points, making it the most accurate summary of the passage.

Option A focuses primarily on the preparation for the future aspect, neglecting the broader reasons for creating counterfactual alternatives.

Option B does not emphasize the developmental aspect and various reasons for creating

Option D inaccurately suggests that counterfactual thinking helps reverse past and future actions, which is not the main point of the passage, and it oversimplifies the role of counterfactuals.

Q24: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Heatwaves are becoming longer, frequent and intense due to climate change. The impacts of extreme heat are unevenly experienced; with older people and young children, those with pre-existing medical conditions and on low incomes significantly more vulnerable. Adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern. Research conducted among at-risk people in the UK reveals that even vulnerable people do not perceive themselves as at risk of extreme heat; therefore, early warnings of extreme heat events do not perform as intended. This suggests that understanding how extreme heat is narrated is very important. The news media play a central role in this process and can help warn people about the potential danger, as well as about impacts on infrastructure and society.
(a) Protection from heat waves is important but current reports and public policies seem ineffective.
(b) People are vulnerable to heatwaves caused due to climate change, measures taken are ineffective.
(c) Heatwaves pose an enormous risk; the media plays a pivotal role in alerting people to this danger.
(d) News stories help in warning about heatwaves, but they have to become more effective.

Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)  View Answer

Ans: (c)
The passage discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change, with vulnerable groups experiencing uneven impacts. It emphasizes that adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern. The research findings suggest that even vulnerable individuals may not perceive themselves as at risk of extreme heat, highlighting the importance of understanding how extreme heat is narrated. The passage specifically mentions the central role of the news media in warning people about the potential danger of heatwaves and their impacts on infrastructure and society. Option C effectively conveys the primary focus on heatwaves posing a substantial risk and the critical role of the media in alerting the public to this danger.
Option A implies a general importance of protection without specifically highlighting the role of the media in alerting people to the risks of heatwaves.
Option B acknowledges the vulnerability to heatwaves but it does not emphasize the role of the media in alerting people and suggests a broader critique of measures taken.
Option D mentions the need for news stories to become more effective but does not emphasize the central role of the media in alerting people to the risk of heatwaves, as the passage does.

The document Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) is a part of the CAT Course Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC).
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FAQs on Verbal for CAT 2023(Slot-2) - Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)

1. What is the CAT 2023 exam?
Ans. The CAT 2023 exam refers to the Common Admission Test conducted for admission into various management programs in top business schools in India.
2. When will CAT 2023 Slot-2 take place?
Ans. The specific date and time for CAT 2023 Slot-2 have not been mentioned in the article. Candidates should refer to the official CAT website for the latest updates on exam dates.
3. How can I apply for CAT 2023?
Ans. To apply for CAT 2023, candidates need to visit the official CAT website and register online. The application process typically involves filling out personal details, academic information, selecting preferred exam cities, and paying the application fee.
4. What is the difficulty level of the CAT exam?
Ans. The CAT exam is known for its high difficulty level. It tests candidates' aptitude in various areas such as Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly prepare and practice to perform well in the exam.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for CAT 2023?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for CAT 2023 require candidates to hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate percentage specified by the participating institutes. The specific eligibility criteria may vary across institutions, and candidates are advised to check the official CAT website for detailed information.
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