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Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - CAT MCQ


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15 Questions MCQ Test - Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning for CAT 2024 is part of CAT preparation. The Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning questions and answers have been prepared according to the CAT exam syllabus.The Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning MCQs are made for CAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning below.
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Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 1

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
The electronic voting machines that were introduced a few years ago are now under suspicion of being prone to be tampered with. Government findings suggest that these machines are not foolproof and are not the best alternative for the old-school ballot paper. If that is true, the incumbent government, elected on the basis of a dubious electronic voting system, can be deemed illegitimate, necessitating a reelection conducted on the basis of the paper ballot.

Which of the following is an inherent assumption that would necessitate conduct of fresh elections?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 1

The findings can impact the result of elections only if there is evidence that such tampering indeed took place and was material in substance.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 2

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
Residents argue that the recent effort to reduce crime by clamping a curfew on movement in groups of 6 or more persons after 5:00 pm is insufficient and unproductive especially as students usually move late in groups of 4 or 5. They claim that simply having all movements in groups of even two persons restricted after 8:00 pm could be a greater deterrent to crime.
Which of the following does the argument NOT assume?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 2

If miscreants re-adjust their nuisance timings to exclude the restrictive hours; if students often move after 8.00 pm; if law enforcement agencies identify the potential miscreants in advance; and if most criminal acts are not committed after 8.00 pm, the argument will lose much of its relevance. Option (3), in fact, is the only one that is not inherently assumed.

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Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 3

Directions: In the following item, a question is given followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the given arguments is/are 'strong'.
Question: Should there be only one rate of interest for term deposits of varying duration in banks?
Arguments:
I. No, people will refrain from depositing money for longer duration resulting in reduction of liquidity level of banks.
II. Yes, this will be much simpler for the common people and they may be encouraged to keep more money in banks.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 3

Clearly, the proposed scheme would discourage people from keeping deposits for longer duration (the rate of interest being the same for short duration) and not draw in more funds.
So, argument I only will be strong.
Now, if the interest will be the same, then people obviously will not be encouraged to keep more money in bank.
However, if high interest (varied interest) is kept for high amounts, then people will be encouraged to keep more money. So, argument II is not strong.
Hence, option b is the correct answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 4

Directions: The question given below is followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the given arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument.
Should cost of conventional fuels be increased to alleviate global environmental problems?
Arguments:
I. Yes, the decrease in the demand of conventional fuels as a result of high price would lessen the exploitation of natural resources.
II. No, government must spend more money on conducting research and developing technology to make the use of renewable energy resources more attractive than that of conventional fuels.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 4

Both the given arguments are strong. Hike in fuel prices would lead to a decline in demand of fuel and as a result of which exploitation of natural resources would decrease.
Argument II is also strong as it is better to spend more money on conducting research and developing technology to use renewable energy resources.
But, as both the given arguments present two opposite views option 3 is the correct answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 5

Directions: The question given below is followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the given arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument.
Should juvenile criminals be made to do unpaid community work instead of being put behind bars?
Arguments:
I. Yes, unpaid community work encourages youth to be active in the community and facilitates changes in community perceptions about the offender.
II. Yes, they must be provided opportunities to choose the community service project they want to participate in.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 5

Argument I is strong as it presents a logical reason to support unpaid community work to be done by juvenile criminals.
Argument II is weak as it doesn't provide a reason that justifies the mandate that asks juvenile criminals to do unpaid community work. It further presents view about the kind of community work that must be offered.
So, option (a) is the correct answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 6

Directions: In the question below, a statement is followed by assumptions numbered I, II and III. An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted. You have to consider the statement and assumptions and then decide which of the assumptions is/are implicit in the statement.
Statement: Satya Nadella is very happy with his newly assigned profile that has added more responsibilities on his already existing role.
Assumptions:
I. Satya Nadella has now achieved a very high position in Microsoft.
II. Satya Nadella cleared this interview and got hired.
III. The hiring manager was impressed with his abilities.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 6

Assumption I is not implicit as nothing has been said about his current position.
Assumption II is implicit because first role suggests that Satya Nadella played more than one role in the company. Only if the hiring manager was impressed, Satya Nadella got his first role.
So, option d is the correct answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 7

Directions: The question given below is followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the given arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument and then mark the correct option accordingly.
As a result of tourism, many historical buildings and sites are being damaged beyond repair. Should government put restraints on tourism to protect them?
Arguments:
I. No, government shall invest in maintenance of such buildings and sites and promote responsible tourism.
II. Yes, country's heritage defines its identity, so protecting such buildings and sites is prime.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 7

Argument I provides a rational solution to the problem, so it can be considered a strong argument. Argument II is weak as it is not a reasonable cause to restrict tourism.
Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 8

Directions: From the alternatives, choose the one which correctly classifies the four sentences as a
F (Fact): If it relates to a known matter of direct observation or an existing reality or something known to be true.
J (Judgement): If it is an opinion or estimate or anticipation of common sense or intention.
I (Inference): If it is a logical conclusion or deduction about something, based on the knowledge of facts.
Select the answer option that best describes the set of four statements.
1. Everyday social life is impossible without interpersonal relationships.
2. The root of many misunderstandings has been cited in poor relations among individuals.
3. Assuming the above to be true, social life will be much better if people understand the importance of good interpersonal relations.
4. A study reveals that interpersonal relations and hence life in general can be improved with a little effort on the part of individuals.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 8

Statement A provides an opinion talking about the importance of interpersonal relations, which makes it a judgement.
Statement B uses the word 'cited' which indicates that it is a fact.
Statement C uses the word 'assuming' which makes it clear that it presents an inference.
Statement D is a fact as it lays down the information according to a study.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 9

Directions: The question has a set of four sequentially ordered statements. Each statement can be classified as one of the following:
Fact, which deals with pieces of information that one has heard, seen or read, and which is open to discovery or verification (the answer option indicates such a statement with an 'F')
Inference, which is a conclusion drawn about the unknown, on the basis of the known (the answer option indicates such a statement with an 'I').
Judgement, which is an opinion that implies approval or disapproval of persons, objects, situations and occurrences in the past, the present or the future (the answer option indicates such a statement with a 'J')
Select the answer option that best describes the set of four statements.
1. Be ambitious in thinking but down-to-earth in action.
2. Doing things locally may bring multiple development impacts.
3. Gram Panchayats across the country have initiated Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
4. More young people live in India than in any other country; therefore, Indian government is planning to create public-private partnerships with companies to provide skill training to youth.

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 9

Statements 1 and 2 are judgements as they are purely opinions with no trace of facts. Statement 3 is a fact. Statement 4 is an inference that contains an opinion (Indian government is planning to create public-private partnerships with companies to provide skill training to youth) based on the fact (More young people live in India than in any other country).

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 10

Directions: Read the passage/argument and answer the question that follows it.
The real estate sector in many parts of the USA is witness to a significant slump, which is attributed to high home loan mortgage rates by most realtors. They believe that in order to ease the situation, the Federal Reserve should step in and improve market liquidity so as to enable people to buy houses at affordable prices.

Which of the following, if true, would serve the most to weaken the argument offered by realtors?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 10

Option (a) tends to support the logic given in the passage by making a positive link between the demand for houses and interest rates. Thus, it is ruled out.
Option (b) talks of an opinion expressed by some people, but the words believe and some render it doubtful.
Options (c) and (d) are irrelevant as they talk of the homeowners` motive and availability of houses, both of which are irrelevant to this discussion.
Price-inelastic demand in a certain sector means that the demand will not change as a result of change in prices. It ultimately means that even if mortgage loan rates are reduced, it will do nothing to stimulate the demand for more houses. Hence, option (d) is the right answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 11

Directions: Read the passage/argument and answer the question that follows it.
Many social scientists believe that affirmative action is a good way to improve the socio-economic status of disadvantaged groups in the society. Based on their recommendation, the Arizona Governor has decided to put in place a system whereby every public and private organization would be mandated to recruit a minimum of 10% of all new recruits from these segments of society.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the social scientists' argument?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 11

Option (a), in no way, strengthens the social scientists` logic as it only talks of the possible reason why the disadvantaged group need to be given job quotas.
Option (b) is absolutely irrelevant as disposable income in their hands is not the focus of discussion.
Option (d) is again wrong for it only indicates the organizations` belief about the policy but whether it actually leads to their improvement is still a moot point.
Option (e) is quite vague and therefore, is ruled out.
The correct answer (option c) links the two variables i.e. quotas and socio-economic improvement, and is therefore, the best choice. 

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 12

Directions: Read the passage/argument and answer the question that follows it.
Since the early 60s, the US divorce rate has doubled, the teen-suicide rate tripled, the violent-crime rate quadrupled, and the prison population quintupled. Besides, depression, anxiety and other mental-health disorders are rising, ensuring there will be plenty of melancholic types to compose poetry and music.
According to the author,

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 12

Note the difference between the language used in option (a) and (d). It is carrying a vastly different meaning in each case. For this reason, option (a) is definitely ruled out as depression and anxiety are not responsible for creative pursuits. So is true of option (b), which is very extreme in nature.
Nowhere does the author give any hint which could justify either option (c) or (e). Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 13

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The changes made in the format of Engineering Journal are nothing but a myopic move by the management. By adding a new section Books For Professional Readers, opposite to the present section Books For Your Enjoyment, the editors think they will generate interest in the research and development that is taking place in industry and thereby increasing readership. This is not the case. The titles of the two sections suggest that research literature is not enjoyable reading, a suggestion that will repel the Monthly's readers from such literature. Thus, the audience will be less interested in research articles and literature and less able to distinguish serious research from some new offbeat ideas. The editors of the Monthly could have done better by maintaining status quo.

According to the author, which of the following conclusions will the Engineering Journal readers draw from the editors' change of the book-review format?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 13

The 'alienation' that the author talks of is not from 'Engineering Journal' but from 'Books For Professional Readers'. The author's argument is that by naming the new column as Books For Professional Readers, reviewing serious literature in that column and printing it opposite the regular column 'Books For Your Enjoyment', the readers of the magazine will be forced to think that serious literature is not for enjoyment; and therefore, they will refrain from reading the books reviewed in the new column. Choice (b) says that the new column, because of its name, will somehow or the other, tend to repel readers as they will think that these are not for their liking. So, choice (b) is the answer.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 14

A ten-year comparison between India and China in terms of crop yields per acre revealed that when only planted acreage is compared, Chinese yields are equal to 60 percent of India yields. When total agricultural acreage (planted acreage plus fallow acreage) is compared, however, Chinese yield is 110 percent of India`s yield.
From the information above, which of the following can be most reliably inferred about India and Chinese agriculture during the ten-year period?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 14

This is a simple inference type of question. When only planted acreage is compared, Indian yields are greater but when total agricultural acreage is compared, then Chinese yields are greater. This obviously means that India has more fallow area as compared to China, because only this would lead to the desired results. (To simplify the procedure, use the simple formula Yield = (Total Output) divided by (Planted Area + Fallow Area)
The correct answer choice is option a. As a precaution, please note that nowhere are we told about the total planted area or total fallow area in India or China.
Options b and d are incorrect as the proportion of planted acreage and fallow acreage in China or India is unclear from the argument.
Option c is negated by the use of 'available' agricultural land. The difference between fallow and not available is hazy.

Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 15

Directions: The following passage is followed by a question with five options. Choose the best option.
The cost of the average computer logic device is falling at the rate of 2 percent per year, and the cost of the average computer memory device at the rate of 40 percent per year. It can be concluded that if these rates of cost decline remain constant for a period of three years, at the end of that time the cost of the average computer memory device will have declined by a greater amount than the cost of the average computer logic device.
Accurate information about which of the following would be most useful in evaluating the correctness of the conclusion above?

Detailed Solution for Test Level 2: Critical Reasoning - Question 15

The argument seeks to arrive at absolute figure from percentages. This may prove to be much trickier than it sounds. Unless we know the current prices of both, we cannot possibly authenticate the conclusion.

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