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XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - CAT MCQ


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30 Questions MCQ Test - XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern)

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XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 1

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

In the United States the per capita costs of schooling have risen almost as fast as the cost of medical treatment. But increased treatment by both doctors and teachers has shown steadily declining results. Medical expenses concentrated on those above forty-five have doubled several times over a period of forty years with a resulting 3 percent increase in the life expectancy of men. The increase in educational expenditures has produced even stranger results; otherwise President Nixon could not have been moved this spring to promise that every child shall soon have the “Right to Read” before leaving school.

In the United States it would take eighty billion dollars per year to provide what educators regard as equal treatment for all in grammar and high school. This is well over twice the $36 billion now being spent. Independent cost projections prepared at HEW and at the University of Florida indicate that by 1974 the comparable figures will be $107 billion as against the $45 billion now projected, and these figures wholly omit the enormous costs of what is called “higher education,” for which demand is growing even faster. The United States, which spent nearly eighty billion dollars in 1969 for “defense,” including its deployment in Vietnam, is obviously too poor to provide equal schooling. The President’s committee for the study of school finance should ask not how to support or how to trim such increasing costs, but how they can be avoided.

Equal obligatory schooling must be recognized as at least economically unfeasible. In Latin America the amount of public money spent on each graduate student is between 350 and 1,500 times the amount spent on the median citizen (that is, the citizen who holds the middle ground between the poorest and the richest). In the United States the discrepancy is smaller, but the discrimination is keener. The richest parents, some 10 percent, can afford private education for their children and help them to benefit from foundation grants. But in addition they obtain ten times the per capita amount of public funds if this is compared with the per capita expenditure made on the children of the 10 percent who are poorest. The principal reasons for this are that rich children stay longer in school, that a year in a university is disproportionately more expensive than a year in high school, and that most private universities depend—at least indirectly—on tax-derived finances.

Obligatory schooling inevitably polarizes a society; it also grades the nations of the world according to an international caste system. Countries are rated like castes whose educational dignity is determined by the average years of schooling of its citizens, a rating which is closely related to per capita gross national product, and much more painful.

Q. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 1

The answer to a main idea question will summarize the passage, without going beyond it.

(A) fails to meet these criteria because it makes a false claim. The middle of the third paragraph implies that the discrepancy in allocation of funds is greater in Latin America. Besides, Latin America is mentioned only in passing, so this is not the main idea.

(B) also makes a false claim. The author implies that increased funding for education is irrelevant, if not counterproductive. In fact, the sentence “The President’s committee for the study of school finance should ask not how to support or how to trim such increasing costs, but how they can be avoided” implies that he thinks an increase in funding would be counterproductive.

(C) is implied by the sentence “The United States . . . is obviously too poor to provide equal schooling,” but the author does not fully develop this idea. Besides, he implies that the problem is not financial.

Finally, (D) aptly summarizes the passage, without going beyond it. The key to seeing this is the opening to paragraph three, “Equal obligatory schooling must be recognized as at least economically unfeasible.” In other words, regardless of any other failings, it cannot succeed economically and therefore cannot provide equal education.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 2

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

In the United States the per capita costs of schooling have risen almost as fast as the cost of medical treatment. But increased treatment by both doctors and teachers has shown steadily declining results. Medical expenses concentrated on those above forty-five have doubled several times over a period of forty years with a resulting 3 percent increase in the life expectancy of men. The increase in educational expenditures has produced even stranger results; otherwise President Nixon could not have been moved this spring to promise that every child shall soon have the “Right to Read” before leaving school.

In the United States it would take eighty billion dollars per year to provide what educators regard as equal treatment for all in grammar and high school. This is well over twice the $36 billion now being spent. Independent cost projections prepared at HEW and at the University of Florida indicate that by 1974 the comparable figures will be $107 billion as against the $45 billion now projected, and these figures wholly omit the enormous costs of what is called “higher education,” for which demand is growing even faster. The United States, which spent nearly eighty billion dollars in 1969 for “defense,” including its deployment in Vietnam, is obviously too poor to provide equal schooling. The President’s committee for the study of school finance should ask not how to support or how to trim such increasing costs, but how they can be avoided.

Equal obligatory schooling must be recognized as at least economically unfeasible. In Latin America the amount of public money spent on each graduate student is between 350 and 1,500 times the amount spent on the median citizen (that is, the citizen who holds the middle ground between the poorest and the richest). In the United States the discrepancy is smaller, but the discrimination is keener. The richest parents, some 10 percent, can afford private education for their children and help them to benefit from foundation grants. But in addition they obtain ten times the per capita amount of public funds if this is compared with the per capita expenditure made on the children of the 10 percent who are poorest. The principal reasons for this are that rich children stay longer in school, that a year in a university is disproportionately more expensive than a year in high school, and that most private universities depend—at least indirectly—on tax-derived finances.

Obligatory schooling inevitably polarizes a society; it also grades the nations of the world according to an international caste system. Countries are rated like castes whose educational dignity is determined by the average years of schooling of its citizens, a rating which is closely related to per capita gross national product, and much more painful.

The author most likely would agree with which one of the following solutions to the problems presented by obligatory education?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 2

This is an application question. These questions tend to be rather difficult, though this one is not. To answer an application question, put yourself in the author’s place. If you were arguing his case, which of the solutions would you advocate?

As to (A), although we rejected the recommendation that obligatory education be eliminated as Question 1’s answer, it is the answer to Question 2. The author does not merely imply that obligatory education has some shortcomings; he suggests that it is fundamentally flawed. Again this is made clear by the opening to paragraph three, “Equal obligatory schooling must be recognized as at least economically unfeasible.” Still, there is a possible misunderstanding here: perhaps the author believes that obligatory education is a noble but unrealistic idea. This possibility, however, is dispelled by the closing paragraph in which he states that obligatory education polarizes society and sets up a caste system. Obviously, such a system, if this is true, should be discarded. The answer is (A).

The other choices can be easily dismissed. (B) is incorrect because nothing in the passage suggests that the author would advocate a solution that would polarize society even more. Indeed, at the end of paragraph three, he suggests that the rich already get more than their fair share.

(C) is incorrect because it contradicts the author. Paragraph two is dedicated to showing that the United States is too poor to provide equal schooling. You can’t divert money you don’t have.

(D) is incorrect. It reads too much into the last paragraph.

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XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 3

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

In the United States the per capita costs of schooling have risen almost as fast as the cost of medical treatment. But increased treatment by both doctors and teachers has shown steadily declining results. Medical expenses concentrated on those above forty-five have doubled several times over a period of forty years with a resulting 3 percent increase in the life expectancy of men. The increase in educational expenditures has produced even stranger results; otherwise President Nixon could not have been moved this spring to promise that every child shall soon have the “Right to Read” before leaving school.

In the United States it would take eighty billion dollars per year to provide what educators regard as equal treatment for all in grammar and high school. This is well over twice the $36 billion now being spent. Independent cost projections prepared at HEW and at the University of Florida indicate that by 1974 the comparable figures will be $107 billion as against the $45 billion now projected, and these figures wholly omit the enormous costs of what is called “higher education,” for which demand is growing even faster. The United States, which spent nearly eighty billion dollars in 1969 for “defense,” including its deployment in Vietnam, is obviously too poor to provide equal schooling. The President’s committee for the study of school finance should ask not how to support or how to trim such increasing costs, but how they can be avoided.

Equal obligatory schooling must be recognized as at least economically unfeasible. In Latin America the amount of public money spent on each graduate student is between 350 and 1,500 times the amount spent on the median citizen (that is, the citizen who holds the middle ground between the poorest and the richest). In the United States the discrepancy is smaller, but the discrimination is keener. The richest parents, some 10 percent, can afford private education for their children and help them to benefit from foundation grants. But in addition they obtain ten times the per capita amount of public funds if this is compared with the per capita expenditure made on the children of the 10 percent who are poorest. The principal reasons for this are that rich children stay longer in school, that a year in a university is disproportionately more expensive than a year in high school, and that most private universities depend—at least indirectly—on tax-derived finances.

Obligatory schooling inevitably polarizes a society; it also grades the nations of the world according to an international caste system. Countries are rated like castes whose educational dignity is determined by the average years of schooling of its citizens, a rating which is closely related to per capita gross national product, and much more painful.

According to the passage, education is like health care in all of the following ways EXCEPT:

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 3

This is a description question, so we must find the place from which it is drawn. It is the first paragraph. The sentence “But increased treatment by both doctors and teachers has shown steadily declining results” shows that both have reached a point of diminishing returns. This eliminates (A) and (B). Next, the passage states “Medical expenses concentrated on those above forty-five have doubled several times” (middle of first paragraph) and that the demand and costs of higher education are growing faster than the demand and costs of elementary and high school education. This eliminates (D). Hence, by process of elimination, the answer is (C). We should, however, verify this. In paragraph three, the author does state that there is a “keen” discrepancy in the funding of education between rich and poor, but a survey of the passage shows that at no point does he mention that this is also the case with health care.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 4

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

In the United States the per capita costs of schooling have risen almost as fast as the cost of medical treatment. But increased treatment by both doctors and teachers has shown steadily declining results. Medical expenses concentrated on those above forty-five have doubled several times over a period of forty years with a resulting 3 percent increase in the life expectancy of men. The increase in educational expenditures has produced even stranger results; otherwise President Nixon could not have been moved this spring to promise that every child shall soon have the “Right to Read” before leaving school.

In the United States it would take eighty billion dollars per year to provide what educators regard as equal treatment for all in grammar and high school. This is well over twice the $36 billion now being spent. Independent cost projections prepared at HEW and at the University of Florida indicate that by 1974 the comparable figures will be $107 billion as against the $45 billion now projected, and these figures wholly omit the enormous costs of what is called “higher education,” for which demand is growing even faster. The United States, which spent nearly eighty billion dollars in 1969 for “defense,” including its deployment in Vietnam, is obviously too poor to provide equal schooling. The President’s committee for the study of school finance should ask not how to support or how to trim such increasing costs, but how they can be avoided.

Equal obligatory schooling must be recognized as at least economically unfeasible. In Latin America the amount of public money spent on each graduate student is between 350 and 1,500 times the amount spent on the median citizen (that is, the citizen who holds the middle ground between the poorest and the richest). In the United States the discrepancy is smaller, but the discrimination is keener. The richest parents, some 10 percent, can afford private education for their children and help them to benefit from foundation grants. But in addition they obtain ten times the per capita amount of public funds if this is compared with the per capita expenditure made on the children of the 10 percent who are poorest. The principal reasons for this are that rich children stay longer in school, that a year in a university is disproportionately more expensive than a year in high school, and that most private universities depend—at least indirectly—on tax-derived finances.

Obligatory schooling inevitably polarizes a society; it also grades the nations of the world according to an international caste system. Countries are rated like castes whose educational dignity is determined by the average years of schooling of its citizens, a rating which is closely related to per capita gross national product, and much more painful.

Why does the author consider the results from increased educational expenditures to be “even stranger” than those from increased medical expenditures?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 4

This is an extension question. We are asked to interpret a statement by the author. The needed reference is the closing sentence to paragraph one. Remember: extension questions require you to go beyond the passage, so the answer won’t be explicitly stated in the reference—we will have to interpret it.

The implication of President Nixon’s promise is that despite increased educational funding many children cannot even read when they graduate from school. Hence the answer is (B).

Don’t make the mistake of choosing (C). Although at first glance this is a tempting inference, it would be difficult to compare the results of education and medical care directly (how would we do so?). Regardless, the opening line to the passage states that educational costs have risen “almost as fast” as medical costs, not faster.

(A) is incorrect because the passage never mentions the aging of the population.

Many students who cannot solve this question choose (D)—don’t. It uses as bait language from the passage, “inevitably polarizes a society.” Note: The phrase “Right to Read” in (B) is not a same language trap; it is merely part of a paraphrase of the passage. The correct answer to an extension question will often both paraphrase and extend a passage statement but will not quote it directly, as in (D).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 5

Advertisers are often criticized for their unscrupulous manipulation of people’s tastes and wants. There is evidence, however, that some advertisers are motivated by moral as well as financial considerations. A particular publication decided to change its image from being a family newspaper to concentration on sex and violence, thus appealing to a different readership. Some advertisers withdrew their advertisements from the publication, and this must have been because they morally disapproved of publishing salacious material.

Q. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 5

The suppressed premise in this argument is that the advertisers hurt themselves financially by withdrawing their advertisements, or at least did not help themselves. To strengthen the argument, we need to show that this assumption is true. Choice (C) implies that this is the case by stating that the advertisers expected to lose sales if they withdrew their advertisements. Hence the answer is (C).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 6

Choose the most appropriate option after reading the following statements.

1. All the planets revolving around the Sun in our Solar system have become subjects that fascinate scientists all across the globe. With similar tools and exploration techniques, scientists set out to explore the nature of these planets one at a time, and when they are greeted with startling results for any one the planets, the others also follow suit.

2. NASA researchers have found astonishing new evidence about the possible presence of iron in Mars soil. Scientists at the organization now expect similar results for Jupiter and some of the other planets.

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 6

In the given question, the first thing that you need to understand is deductive and inductive reasoning. In inductive reasoning, the generalization drawn from a statement is generally is applicable over a larger set of data. In other words, talking in terms of sets, we move from a smaller set to a larger set. Here, the sets being talked about are the set of facts and situations given to us. The conclusion drawn in this form of reasoning is at best a generalization that may not be always true.

In deductive reasoning, we move in the opposite direction. Since the conclusion drawn refers to a specific case, which is derived from a more general statement; it is always true in nature.

In the given case, statement 2 is deduced from statement 1. Statement 1 states that when a startling result is found for one planet, the others follow suit. In this case, Jupiter and other planets are meant to follow the lead of Mars, as stated by statement 1. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 7

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

From Romania to Germany, from Tallinn to Belgrade, a major historical process—the death of communism—is taking place. The German Democratic Republic no longer exists as a separate state. And the former German Democratic Republic will serve as the first measure of the price a post-Communist society has to pay for entering the normal European orbit. In Yugoslavia we will see whether the federation can survive without communism.

One thing seems common to all these countries: dictatorship has been defeated and freedom has won, yet the victory of freedom has not yet meant the triumph of democracy. Democracy is something more than freedom. Democracy is freedom institutionalized, freedom submitted to the limits of the law, freedom functioning as an object of compromise between the major political forces on the scene.

We have freedom, but we still have not achieved the democratic order. That is why this freedom is so fragile. In the years of democratic opposition to communism, we supposed that the easiest thing would be to introduce changes in the economy. In fact, we thought that the march from a planned economy to a market economy would take place within the framework of the bureaucratic system, and that the market within the Communist state would explode the totalitarian structures. Only then would the time come to build the institutions of a civil society; and only at the end, with the completion of the market economy and the civil society, would the time of great political transformations finally arrive.

The opposite happened. First came the big political change, the great shock, which either broke the monopoly and the principle of Communist Party rule or simply pushed the Communists out of power. Then came the creation of civil society, whose institutions were created in great pain, and which had trouble negotiating the empty space of freedom. Only then, as the third moment of change, the final task was undertaken: that of transforming the totalitarian economy into a normal economy where different forms of ownership and different economic actors will live one next to the other.

Today we are in a typical moment of transition. No one can say where we are headed. The people of the democratic opposition have the feeling that we won. We taste the sweetness of our victory the same way the Communists, only yesterday our prison guards, taste the bitterness of their defeat. Yet, even as we are conscious of our victory, we feel that we are, in a strange way, losing. In Bulgaria the Communists have won the parliamentary elections and will govern the country, without losing their social legitimacy. In Romania the National Salvation Front, largely dominated by people from the old Communist bureaucracy, has won. In other countries democratic institutions seem shaky, and the political horizon is cloudy. The masquerade goes on: dozens of groups and parties are created, each announces similar slogans, each accuses its adversaries of all possible sins, and each declares itself representative of the national interest. Personal disputes are more important than disputes over values. Arguments over values are fiercer than arguments over ideas.

Q. Beginning in the second paragraph, the author describes the complicated relationship between “freedom” and “democracy.” In the author’s view, which one of the following statements best reflects that relationship?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 7

This is an extension question, so the answer must say more than what is said in the passage, without requiring a quantum leap in thought. The needed reference is “Democracy is something more than freedom” (second paragraph). Since freedom can exist without democracy, freedom alone does not insure democracy.

The answer is (A).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 8

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

From Romania to Germany, from Tallinn to Belgrade, a major historical process—the death of communism—is taking place. The German Democratic Republic no longer exists as a separate state. And the former German Democratic Republic will serve as the first measure of the price a post-Communist society has to pay for entering the normal European orbit. In Yugoslavia we will see whether the federation can survive without communism.

One thing seems common to all these countries: dictatorship has been defeated and freedom has won, yet the victory of freedom has not yet meant the triumph of democracy. Democracy is something more than freedom. Democracy is freedom institutionalized, freedom submitted to the limits of the law, freedom functioning as an object of compromise between the major political forces on the scene.

We have freedom, but we still have not achieved the democratic order. That is why this freedom is so fragile. In the years of democratic opposition to communism, we supposed that the easiest thing would be to introduce changes in the economy. In fact, we thought that the march from a planned economy to a market economy would take place within the framework of the bureaucratic system, and that the market within the Communist state would explode the totalitarian structures. Only then would the time come to build the institutions of a civil society; and only at the end, with the completion of the market economy and the civil society, would the time of great political transformations finally arrive.

The opposite happened. First came the big political change, the great shock, which either broke the monopoly and the principle of Communist Party rule or simply pushed the Communists out of power. Then came the creation of civil society, whose institutions were created in great pain, and which had trouble negotiating the empty space of freedom. Only then, as the third moment of change, the final task was undertaken: that of transforming the totalitarian economy into a normal economy where different forms of ownership and different economic actors will live one next to the other.

Today we are in a typical moment of transition. No one can say where we are headed. The people of the democratic opposition have the feeling that we won. We taste the sweetness of our victory the same way the Communists, only yesterday our prison guards, taste the bitterness of their defeat. Yet, even as we are conscious of our victory, we feel that we are, in a strange way, losing. In Bulgaria the Communists have won the parliamentary elections and will govern the country, without losing their social legitimacy. In Romania the National Salvation Front, largely dominated by people from the old Communist bureaucracy, has won. In other countries democratic institutions seem shaky, and the political horizon is cloudy. The masquerade goes on: dozens of groups and parties are created, each announces similar slogans, each accuses its adversaries of all possible sins, and each declares itself representative of the national interest. Personal disputes are more important than disputes over values. Arguments over values are fiercer than arguments over ideas.

Q. From the passage, a reader could conclude that which one of the following best describes the author’s attitude toward the events that have taken place in communist society?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 8

This is a tone question. The key to answering this question is found in the closing comments. There the author states “The masquerade goes on,” referring to nascent democracies. So he has reservations about the newly emerging democracies.

Watch out for (D). Although it is supported by the passage, it is in a supporting paragraph. The ideas in a concluding paragraph take precedence over those in a supporting paragraph.

The answer is (C).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 9

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

From Romania to Germany, from Tallinn to Belgrade, a major historical process—the death of communism—is taking place. The German Democratic Republic no longer exists as a separate state. And the former German Democratic Republic will serve as the first measure of the price a post-Communist society has to pay for entering the normal European orbit. In Yugoslavia we will see whether the federation can survive without communism.

One thing seems common to all these countries: dictatorship has been defeated and freedom has won, yet the victory of freedom has not yet meant the triumph of democracy. Democracy is something more than freedom. Democracy is freedom institutionalized, freedom submitted to the limits of the law, freedom functioning as an object of compromise between the major political forces on the scene.

We have freedom, but we still have not achieved the democratic order. That is why this freedom is so fragile. In the years of democratic opposition to communism, we supposed that the easiest thing would be to introduce changes in the economy. In fact, we thought that the march from a planned economy to a market economy would take place within the framework of the bureaucratic system, and that the market within the Communist state would explode the totalitarian structures. Only then would the time come to build the institutions of a civil society; and only at the end, with the completion of the market economy and the civil society, would the time of great political transformations finally arrive.

The opposite happened. First came the big political change, the great shock, which either broke the monopoly and the principle of Communist Party rule or simply pushed the Communists out of power. Then came the creation of civil society, whose institutions were created in great pain, and which had trouble negotiating the empty space of freedom. Only then, as the third moment of change, the final task was undertaken: that of transforming the totalitarian economy into a normal economy where different forms of ownership and different economic actors will live one next to the other.

Today we are in a typical moment of transition. No one can say where we are headed. The people of the democratic opposition have the feeling that we won. We taste the sweetness of our victory the same way the Communists, only yesterday our prison guards, taste the bitterness of their defeat. Yet, even as we are conscious of our victory, we feel that we are, in a strange way, losing. In Bulgaria the Communists have won the parliamentary elections and will govern the country, without losing their social legitimacy. In Romania the National Salvation Front, largely dominated by people from the old Communist bureaucracy, has won. In other countries democratic institutions seem shaky, and the political horizon is cloudy. The masquerade goes on: dozens of groups and parties are created, each announces similar slogans, each accuses its adversaries of all possible sins, and each declares itself representative of the national interest. Personal disputes are more important than disputes over values. Arguments over values are fiercer than arguments over ideas.

Q. A cynic who has observed political systems in various countries would likely interpret the author’s description of the situation at the end of the passage as

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 9

This is an application question. These are like extension questions, but they go well beyond what is stated in the passage. In this case we are asked to interpret the author’s comments from a cynic’s perspective. Because application questions go well beyond the passage, they are often difficult, as is this one.

A cynic looks at reality from a negative perspective, usually with a sense of dark irony and hopelessness.

Don’t make the mistake of choosing (C). Although a cynic is likely to make such a statement, it does not address the subject of the passage—political and economic systems. The passage is not about human nature, at least not directly.

The answer is (D).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 10

Directions : Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

From Romania to Germany, from Tallinn to Belgrade, a major historical process—the death of communism—is taking place. The German Democratic Republic no longer exists as a separate state. And the former German Democratic Republic will serve as the first measure of the price a post-Communist society has to pay for entering the normal European orbit. In Yugoslavia we will see whether the federation can survive without communism.

One thing seems common to all these countries: dictatorship has been defeated and freedom has won, yet the victory of freedom has not yet meant the triumph of democracy. Democracy is something more than freedom. Democracy is freedom institutionalized, freedom submitted to the limits of the law, freedom functioning as an object of compromise between the major political forces on the scene.

We have freedom, but we still have not achieved the democratic order. That is why this freedom is so fragile. In the years of democratic opposition to communism, we supposed that the easiest thing would be to introduce changes in the economy. In fact, we thought that the march from a planned economy to a market economy would take place within the framework of the bureaucratic system, and that the market within the Communist state would explode the totalitarian structures. Only then would the time come to build the institutions of a civil society; and only at the end, with the completion of the market economy and the civil society, would the time of great political transformations finally arrive.

The opposite happened. First came the big political change, the great shock, which either broke the monopoly and the principle of Communist Party rule or simply pushed the Communists out of power. Then came the creation of civil society, whose institutions were created in great pain, and which had trouble negotiating the empty space of freedom. Only then, as the third moment of change, the final task was undertaken: that of transforming the totalitarian economy into a normal economy where different forms of ownership and different economic actors will live one next to the other.

Today we are in a typical moment of transition. No one can say where we are headed. The people of the democratic opposition have the feeling that we won. We taste the sweetness of our victory the same way the Communists, only yesterday our prison guards, taste the bitterness of their defeat. Yet, even as we are conscious of our victory, we feel that we are, in a strange way, losing. In Bulgaria the Communists have won the parliamentary elections and will govern the country, without losing their social legitimacy. In Romania the National Salvation Front, largely dominated by people from the old Communist bureaucracy, has won. In other countries democratic institutions seem shaky, and the political horizon is cloudy. The masquerade goes on: dozens of groups and parties are created, each announces similar slogans, each accuses its adversaries of all possible sins, and each declares itself representative of the national interest. Personal disputes are more important than disputes over values. Arguments over values are fiercer than arguments over ideas.

Q. Which one of the following does the author imply may have contributed to the difficulties involved in creating a new democratic order in eastern Europe?

I. The people who existed under the totalitarian structure have not had the experience of “negotiating the empty space of freedom.”

II. Mistaking the order in which political, economic, and social restructuring would occur.

III. Excessive self-interest among the new political activists.

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 10

This is an extension question. Statement I is true. In the middle of the fourth paragraph, the author implies that the institutions of the newborn, free society were created in great pain because the people lacked experience. Statement II is true. Expectations that the market mechanisms would explode totalitarianism and usher in a new society were dashed, and having to readjust one’s expectations certainly makes a situation more difficult. Finally, statement III is true. It summarizes the thrust of the passage’s closing lines.

The answer is (d).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 11

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

1. For the blueness of the sky in the light of the sun and stars sifted and spread abroad blindingly: there is diffused light even in the darkest skies of winter, and we do not see the stars by day only because of the dazzling irradiation of the sun.

2. And first one star, and then many, and at last an innumerable host broke out upon the sky: more stars than anyone has ever seen from the face of the earth.

3. Every moment the circle of scenery beneath me grew wider and wider, and the details of town and field, of hill and valley, got more and more hazy and pale and indistinct, a luminous grey was mingled more and more with the blue of the hills and the green of the open meadows; and a little patch of cloud, low and far to the west, shone ever more dazzlingly white.

4. But now I saw things—I know not how; assuredly with no mortal eyes—and that defect of bedazzlement blinded me no longer.

5. Above, as the veil of atmosphere between myself and outer space grew thinner, the sky, which had been a fair springtime blue at first, grew deeper and richer in colour, passing steadily through the intervening shades, until presently it was as dark as the blue sky of midnight, and presently as black as the blackness of a frosty starlight, and at last as black as no blackness I had ever beheld.

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 11

In the given case, the first thing you need to do is identify the rock-solid mandatory pairs in the question. In the given case, we have two mandatory pairs: 3-5 (statement 3 introduces the scene and statement 5 continues the description) and 1-4 (statement 1 talks of how the author is blinded and statement 4 showcases that how the same bedazzlement no longer blinds the author). These two pairs help us whittle down the answer options and we can identify option B as the correct answer.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 12

India Gaming Report 2024 is released by:

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 12
  • India Gaming Report 2024 Released by Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) and WinZO
  • Key findings: India is the largest gaming market with 568 million users, accounting for 1 in 5 online gamers globally. The Indian gaming market is expected to reach $6 Billion by 2028. The number of Indian gaming companies surged from 25 in 2015 to over 1400 in 2023
  • Regulations: MeitY acts as the nodal agency for online gaming regulations and development; Draft National AVGC Policy, and National AVGC Centre of Excellence; 100% FDI allowed in the gaming sector utilizing automatic route within Electronic System and IT & BPM sectors
XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 13

Food Waste Index (FWI) Report 2024 is released by the 

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 13
  • Released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The report co-authored with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) was published ahead of International Day of Zero Waste (observed annually on 30 March)
  • Key Findings: Households across all continents wasted over 1 billion meals a day in 2022, while 783 million people were affected by hunger and a third of humanity faced food insecurity. Food Waste generates an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Issues: Due to the lack of robust cold chains, hotter countries generate more food waste per capita in households; Fragmented food system.
XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 14

“1 Million Youth Actions Challenge”(1MYAC) is an initiative led by the 

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 14
  • Context: The 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge (1MYAC) by the UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) aims to mobilize youth aged 10 to 30 to take concrete actions for a sustainable future, with a goal of reaching 1,000,000 youth actions.
    • It focuses on promoting four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land.
    • 1MYAC was founded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the RéSEAU.
  • The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) is a collaborative initiative of more than 30 multilateral organizations that support countries in designing and implementing climate change. UN CC:Learn offers information on climate change and free online courses.
XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 15

The Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) is a metric used to measure 

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 15
  • Context: Addressing energy inefficiency in residential buildings is crucial, with initiatives like Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) introducing the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) to measure heat transfer.
  • What is RETV?
    • The Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) is a metric used to measure heat transfer through a building’s envelope. It indicates the thermal efficiency of a building, with lower RETV values corresponding to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage.
XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 16

The National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES) initiative was designed and operated by the 

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 16
  • The National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES) program was conceptualized in 2012 and is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space, along with other ministries, under the framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
  • Its primary objective is to generate and disseminate long-term Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) derived from Indian and other Earth observation satellites, which are essential for understanding Earth’s climate.
XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 17

What was a remarkable feature of the arrangement of houses in Harappan cities, and what material was predominantly used in their construction?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 17

The remarkable feature of the arrangement of houses in Harappan cities was the grid system, and burnt bricks were predominantly used in their construction.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 18

In which language were most inscriptions of the Satvahana rulers written?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 18

Most inscriptions of the Satvahana rulers were in Prakrit, their official language.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 19

Under the Preamble, what does the term 'Secular' mean?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 19

The term 'Secular' in the Preamble means that India is not inherently religious, but it does not imply that India is against religion. Instead, it signifies that the state does not favor any particular religion and does not discriminate against its citizens based on their religious beliefs. The principle of secularism promotes equal treatment of individuals of all religions.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 20

What is the structure of the Parliament of India?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 20

The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature consisting of the President of India, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 21

What is the minimum age requirement for a person to become a member of the Rajya Sabha?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 21

The minimum age for a person to become a member of the Rajya Sabha is 30 years.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 22

What is the hottest inhabited place on Earth?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 22

Dallol, located in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia, holds the record for the highest average annual temperature for an inhabited location on Earth. It experiences extreme heat and geothermal activity.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 23

Which country has the most active volcanoes?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 23

Indonesia is home to the most active volcanoes in the world. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its frequent volcanic activity.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 24

What device for new parents did Ann Moore invent in 1969?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 24

Ann got the idea for the Snugli infant carrier from the traditional African baby carriers she observed while a volunteer for the Peace Corps in Africa.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 25

The joint statement — ‘Horizon 2047, marks the 25th Anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between 

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 25

The joint statement — ‘Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations’ — lays out a roadmap for the bilateral relationship till 2047.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 26

In Feudalism, what do lords provide to peasants in return for leasing land to them?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 26

In Feudalism, lords hold land and lease it to peasants for production. Peasants receive safety and security from the lord in return.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 27

What is the relationship between removal of unemployment and economic growth, according to the planners?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 27

According to planners, there is a direct relationship between the removal of unemployment and economic growth. As national income grows, employment is expected to increase.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 28

What is the rank of India in the Global Intellectual Property Index 2024?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 28

The US Chamber of Commerce released the 12th edition of the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, ranking 55 economies on their IP frameworks. India secured the 42nd position with a 38.64% overall score. The United States, the United Kingdom, and France topped the list, emphasizing the pivotal role of strong IP systems in economic development. The index evaluates the effectiveness of IP landscapes in fostering innovation and creative industries globally.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 29

What is the theme of ‘World NGO Day 2024?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 29

World NGO Day, celebrated annually on February 27, acknowledges the vital role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) globally. Over 89 countries and 6 continents participate. The day promotes active engagement in NGOs, advocates for collaboration between NGOs and public-private sectors, and raises awareness among the needy about the impactful work of NGOs. The 2024 theme, “Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” emphasizes their crucial contribution to global sustainability.

XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 30

What is ‘Homosep Atom’, recently seen in the news?

Detailed Solution for XAT Mock Test - 1 (New Pattern) - Question 30

Solinas, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, developed India’s first septic tank cleaning robot, Homosep Atom, addressing manual scavenging issues. The DST-TBI-supported innovation reaches 16 cities, offering end-to-end solutions for sewer cleaning, reducing costs and promoting robotic cleaning. Solinas specializes in deep-tech, climate tech solutions, including miniature robots addressing water and sanitation challenges. Their technologies, like Endobot and Swasth AI, serve as diagnostic tools, identifying and mitigating water contamination, blockages, and sewer overflows, contributing to societal development and environmental sustainability.

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