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CAT Practice Test - 27 - CAT MCQ


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30 Questions MCQ Test - CAT Practice Test - 27

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*Answer can only contain numeric values
CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 1

Given below are a few jumbled sentences. Rearrange the sentences ina proper and logical sequence.

1. Although population genetics Is still a young science, It seems to Indicate that a significant proportion of these peoples' ancestry comes from a common Near Eastern population to which (despite the differences with the Biblical genealogy) the term "Semitic" has been applied.
2. Modem science identifies a population's common physical descent through genetic research, and analysis of the Semitic-speaking peoples suggests that they have some common ancestry.
3. However, this correlation should rather be attributed to said common Near Eastern origin, as for example Semitic-speaking Near Easterners from the Fertile Crescent are generally more closely related to non-Semitic speaking Near Easterners, such as Iranians, Anatolians, and Caucasians, than to other Semitic-speakers, such as Gulf Arabs, Ethiopian Semites, and North African Arabs.
4. Though no significant common mitochondrial results have been yielded, Y-chromosomal links between Semitic-speaking Near-Eastern peoples like Arabs, Assyrians and Jews have proved fruitful, despite differences contributed from other groups.
5. All Asian peoples were thought of as descendants of Shem and the term Semitic was confined to the ethnic groups who have historically spoken Semitic languages who were often considered to be a distinct race.


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 1

The sequence pertains to the people who share ancestry in the Semitic race. Statement 5 makes for a better introductory statement. It puts forth a hypothesis about the Semitic race and highlights the historical context associated with it. Statement 2 then confirms the hypothesis by delving into the aspect of how genetic research can help in identifying a population's common physical descent. Thus, statements 5 and 2 form a logical pair.
Statements 4 and 1 also form a pair. Both are about population genetics confirming the Semitic race. Statement 4 mentions who the “Near-Eastern peoples” are while 1 mentions what is “common” between them. Statement 3 concludes the sequence by highlighting the influence of geography on ancestry. Thus, the most logical sequence is 52413.
Hence, the correct sequence is 52413.

*Answer can only contain numeric values
CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 2

The five sentences of a paragraph have to be sequenced so as to make a coherent paragraph. Choose the option which is the most appropriate sequence.

1. While trying to devour it the hounds pulled it back and forth, drawing it near him, so that some of them held his cassock.
2. The hounds caught the hare very close to Adams who was lying asleep under the tree.
3. At the same time, others caught his wig that was tied to his head with a handkerchief and began to shake him.
4. But he was awakened by these tugs and with admirable dexterity he pulled up his legs and with a jerk he untied his handkerchief and separated his head from his wig.
5. If he had been fast asleep and not aware of the hounds, they must have certainly tasted his flesh which could have been fatal for him.


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 2

Statement 2 provides context for the other statements by explaining why the hounds came near Adams. It mentions the “hare” which is referred to by the pronoun ‘it’ in statement 1. Thus, statement 1 follows statement 2. “Some of them” in statement 2 indicates some of the hounds. It must be followed by statement 3 which accounts for the “others” indicating the rest of the hounds.
Statements 1 and 3 describe what the hounds did to Adams. Statement 5 discusses what the hounds could have done to Adams. So statement 5 follows statement 3.
Last to come is statement 4 as it states how Adams saved himself after being pulled by the hounds and how the incident ended.
Hence, the correct sequence is 21354.

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*Answer can only contain numeric values
CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 3

The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. These sentences, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Choose the most logical order of sentences from the options.

1. From the stinking laneways I heard raucous laughter and wrangling of drunk singers.
2. My eyes grew dim as a trembling seemed to seize me.
3. They were perfumed and leisurely.
4. I had wandered down the maze of a dirty and a narrow city street.
5. Girls and women dressed in flowing bright gowns passed through every house of the street.


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 3

Statement 4 is the first in the sequence. It indicates the location where the activities mentioned in other statements take place - the dirty and narrow city street.
“Dirty” and “street” in statement 4 corresponds with “stinking” and “laneways” in statement 1 respectively. So logically statement 1 follows statement 4.
Statement 5 comes next as it describes what happened on the street. “They” in statement 3 refers to the “women” in statement 5. So statement 3 follows statement 5.
Finally comes statement 2.
Hence, the correct sequence is 41532.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 4

The following question has a paragraph from which the last sentence has been deleted. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

Innovation and medicine go together. The ancient Egyptians are thought to have performed surgery back in 2750 BC, and the Romans developed medical tools such as forceps and surgical needles. In modern times, medicine has been transformed by waves of discovery that have brought marvels like antibiotics, vaccines and heart stents.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 4

The term “however”, which is common to all options requires you to look for the best contrast to close the paragraph. The last sentence has to contrast with the long tradition of “innovation” that medical science is known for. Option 4 provides this contrast.
Option 1 does not provide the required contrast.
Option 2 needs further clarification, hence, it will not be able to complete the paragraph.
Option 3 denies what is stated in the paragraph; the paragraph does not imply that modern medicine is not innovative. On the contrary, the paragraph states that even today medicine is known for innovation. We need an option that is compatible with “innovation and medicines go together; however...” Answer: 4

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 5

The following question has a paragraph from which the last sentence has been deleted. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

Business education, and in particular its flagship qualification, the MBA, has been getting steadily more expensive with each passing year. Ten years ago, the cost of two years' tuition at Harvard Business School would have set you back $54,000 - approximately $69,000 when adjusted for a decade’s worth of inflation. Today it is over $92,000, and that’s before the health-service fees and miscellaneous programme - support fees that add considerably to a student’s budget.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 5

The purpose and direction of the paragraph is suggested by the first sentence, the major reason is - example of Harvard - increase in tuition fees. A student also has additional expenditure. We need to close these ideas with a “This is because” clause.
Option 1 changes the context to the developing world, which does not fit in with the paragraph.
Option 2 should have been “...have not been exempt...” to be considered as the correct answer.
Option 3 closes the concern of the students as well as the institutes, with a parenthetical reference to the example as well.
Option 4 addresses only the students’ concern which (though implicit) is not entirely the concern of the paragraph. Secondly the option assumes that only working students (with hard-earned) are the context of the conversation.
Answer: 3

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 6

The following question has a paragraph from which the last sentence has been deleted. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

Once a plausible hypothesis is formulated, it must be tested against all existing theories and against all available experience and information. It has to be subject to open criticism from all directions, and only if it survives these tests and criticisms may it be adopted as tentative and conjectural new knowledge. Science and knowledge are made up not of winners, but of survivors of continuous and systematic efforts to refute. Theories are never certain and must always be prepared for an uncertain fu tu re ._____ .

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 6

“In other words..” asks you to look for the gist of the paragraph (without distorting it) in the last sentence.
If this is understood, only option 2 merits evaluation for the last sentence.
All other options bring in unnecessary and unsupported ideas - from the point of view of the gist of the paragraph.
Answer: 2

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 7

The following question has a paragraph from which the last sentence has been deleted. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

They grew up in a time when technology meant a wall telephone, a TV set with three channels, and a radio. Today they are in the midst of a monumental transition. While some senior citizens are handling the rapid rise of the Internet age well- e-mailing, posting family photos on Facebook, paying bills online- for many it has prompted sheer terror ______.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 7

Option 1 is not the purpose of the paragraph. The purpose merely is to state a worrying fact about how senior citizens (some of them) haven’t adjusted to the internet age.
Option 3 is only a repetition of information mentioned in the penultimate sentence.
Option 4 sidetracks the purpose of the paragraph by mentioning the next generation. Option 4 merely states another fact to highlight the need for senior citizens to be familiar with technology.
The internet age has prompted “sheer terror” for those senior citizens unfamiliar with this technology. However, as they grow older and become increasingly less mobile (more homebound), the internet (along with the computer) will become increasingly important (critical) for them - they will be able to pay bills online, send e-mails to friends etc. In short, the computer will enable these senior citizens to perform a lot of activities from home. Option 2 connects well with the paragraph and appropriately closes it.
Answer: 2

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 8

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pair of words from the given options.
The transition of China in the last ten years from a country known for its_________to an extremely tourist-friendly one has roots both in the perceived commercial possibilities, and in the inherent_________, where in the eyes of the world the Chinese simply have to appear the best and brightest.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 8

The term “xenophobia” refers to ‘hatred for foreigners’; among its other meanings “chauvinism” also means ‘undue partiality or attachment to a group or place to which one belongs’. When these vocabulary constrains are overcome, it is easy to see how the context accommodates both these words well. Transition from xenophobia to tourist-friendliness; a desire to appear to be the best due to an inherent chauvinism.
The meanings of the other words are as follows: “Forbearance” means ‘patience’. The statement does not delve into this aspect as far as China is concerned. Eliminate option 1. “Melanophobia” is ‘a hatred for the color black’. Eliminate option 2. “Masochism” refers to ‘the tendency to find pleasure in self-denial, submissiveness, etc.’. This term does not fit the context of the Chinese having to appear as the best and the brightest. Eliminate option 4.
Answer: 3

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 9

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pair of words from the given options.
When Chandrayaan discovered water molecules on the lunar surface, it triggered tremendous____among Indian space scientists who were earlier____that the mission had to be terminated because of a communication breakdown.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 9

Two contrary feelings of the scientists are required in the context. The first has to be positive because of the discovery. The second needs to be negative because the mission was called off. Option 3 provides this contrast.
“Trepidation” and “consternation” can be ruled out since the discovery is positive and hence triggers positive emotions. Eliminate options 1 and 2.
Option 4 is eliminated due to “excited”, since we need a negative response for the second blank.
Answer: 3

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 10

The following question consists of a certain number of sentences.
Some sentences are grammatically incorrect or inappropriate. Identify the total number of sentences that are grammatically incorrect.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 10

Statement 1 has an idiomatic error. The correct idiom to use would be - 'one after another'. The statement should have read as 'reeled from one scandal after another'.
Statement 2 has subject verb agreement error. It incorrectly uses the plural verb “were” instead of 'was'.
Statement 3 misses out on using the definite article 'the' before “public domain”. The usage of that article is paramount given that “public domain” is a specific entity.
Statement 4 is grammatically correct.
Answer: 3

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 11

Group Question

The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced morbidity of diphtheria, mumps, polio, and several other diseases by over 99%. In the wake of such overwhelming success, many government policies have moved to make vaccines mandatory, but many libertarians and conservatives have argued that this infringes on the individual right to his or her body. However, I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.
When evaluating individual rights, the quote “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” is important to consider. Does the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate harm other individuals? In the sense that you enable yourself to transmit disease to unvaccinated individuals, yes.
The problem with this logic falls in the concept of “herd immunity”. “Herd immunity” is when such a large percentage of a population is immune to a disease that, even if one susceptible person becomes ill, the disease is unlikely to spread. For example, if 96% of a population has received a measles vaccine, when one individual gets measles, it is unlikely that they confer the disease to the other 4% of people, because the individual is surrounded by so many who are immune.
These individuals aren’t all free riders either. Vaccines are not 100% effective, they cannot be used on people of all ages, and some people are allergic to them. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to be vulnerable to a disease, and by one person choosing not to vaccinate, their “herd immunity” is weakened, significantly increasing their risk of becoming sick.
This has happened several times before, particularly after Andrew Wakefield’s false autism link. In 2014, a measles outbreak occurred in California, only 45% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and among those 12 were in infants too young to be vaccinated.
In defending mandatory vaccines, I have been asked if this same argument could be applied to justify gun control. While the data is conflicting depending how it’s looked at, even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. With guns, the decision that puts others in harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire. Furthermore, the decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder, while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.
Vaccines are one of the most important health advancements of the 20th century, but there are many people that they cannot directly protect. For this reason, it is critical that we prevent healthy adults from making a choice not to vaccinate.

 

Q. What is the tone of the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 11

A sceptical tone implies that the author has a dismissive attitude towards the contents of the passage.
An analytical tone is used when the author is examining a particular situation.
An optimistic tone is used by the author when he favours a situation against all odds.
A satirical tone is used by the author when he wants to deliver a message in an indirect form or by using a prop.
Throughout the passage, the author talks about the importance of vaccination, the rights associated with consciously opting or not opting for vaccination, and relates it with gun control. This hints towards an analytical tone.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 12

The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced morbidity of diphtheria, mumps, polio, and several other diseases by over 99%. In the wake of such overwhelming success, many government policies have moved to make vaccines mandatory, but many libertarians and conservatives have argued that this infringes on the individual right to his or her body. However, I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.
When evaluating individual rights, the quote “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” is important to consider. Does the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate harm other individuals? In the sense that you enable yourself to transmit disease to unvaccinated individuals, yes.
The problem with this logic falls in the concept of “herd immunity”. “Herd immunity” is when such a large percentage of a population is immune to a disease that, even if one susceptible person becomes ill, the disease is unlikely to spread. For example, if 96% of a population has received a measles vaccine, when one individual gets measles, it is unlikely that they confer the disease to the other 4% of people, because the individual is surrounded by so many who are immune.
These individuals aren’t all free riders either. Vaccines are not 100% effective, they cannot be used on people of all ages, and some people are allergic to them. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to be vulnerable to a disease, and by one person choosing not to vaccinate, their “herd immunity” is weakened, significantly increasing their risk of becoming sick.
This has happened several times before, particularly after Andrew Wakefield’s false autism link. In 2014, a measles outbreak occurred in California, only 45% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and among those 12 were in infants too young to be vaccinated.
In defending mandatory vaccines, I have been asked if this same argument could be applied to justify gun control. While the data is conflicting depending how it’s looked at, even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. With guns, the decision that puts others in harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire. Furthermore, the decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder, while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.
Vaccines are one of the most important health advancements of the 20th century, but there are many people that they cannot directly protect. For this reason, it is critical that we prevent healthy adults from making a choice not to vaccinate.

 

Q. According to the passage, what is the author’s stance on individual gun ownership?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 12

The penultimate paragraph mentions the author’s views on gun control. It states that “..., even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. ...harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire....decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder,...” It tends towards pro argument which favours individual gun ownership.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 13

The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced morbidity of diphtheria, mumps, polio, and several other diseases by over 99%. In the wake of such overwhelming success, many government policies have moved to make vaccines mandatory, but many libertarians and conservatives have argued that this infringes on the individual right to his or her body. However, I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.
When evaluating individual rights, the quote “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” is important to consider. Does the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate harm other individuals? In the sense that you enable yourself to transmit disease to unvaccinated individuals, yes.
The problem with this logic falls in the concept of “herd immunity”. “Herd immunity” is when such a large percentage of a population is immune to a disease that, even if one susceptible person becomes ill, the disease is unlikely to spread. For example, if 96% of a population has received a measles vaccine, when one individual gets measles, it is unlikely that they confer the disease to the other 4% of people, because the individual is surrounded by so many who are immune.
These individuals aren’t all free riders either. Vaccines are not 100% effective, they cannot be used on people of all ages, and some people are allergic to them. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to be vulnerable to a disease, and by one person choosing not to vaccinate, their “herd immunity” is weakened, significantly increasing their risk of becoming sick.
This has happened several times before, particularly after Andrew Wakefield’s false autism link. In 2014, a measles outbreak occurred in California, only 45% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and among those 12 were in infants too young to be vaccinated.
In defending mandatory vaccines, I have been asked if this same argument could be applied to justify gun control. While the data is conflicting depending how it’s looked at, even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. With guns, the decision that puts others in harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire. Furthermore, the decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder, while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.
Vaccines are one of the most important health advancements of the 20th century, but there are many people that they cannot directly protect. For this reason, it is critical that we prevent healthy adults from making a choice not to vaccinate.

 

Q. “The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century.” implies that:
A. Before the 20th century the quality of life was low.
B. The mortality rate has decreased.
C. Vaccines are a cornerstone of public health

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 13

Statement A and C can be implied from the given statement. Statement B cannot be inferred as there is no evidence to justify the change in mortality rate.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 14

The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced morbidity of diphtheria, mumps, polio, and several other diseases by over 99%. In the wake of such overwhelming success, many government policies have moved to make vaccines mandatory, but many libertarians and conservatives have argued that this infringes on the individual right to his or her body. However, I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.
When evaluating individual rights, the quote “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” is important to consider. Does the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate harm other individuals? In the sense that you enable yourself to transmit disease to unvaccinated individuals, yes.
The problem with this logic falls in the concept of “herd immunity”. “Herd immunity” is when such a large percentage of a population is immune to a disease that, even if one susceptible person becomes ill, the disease is unlikely to spread. For example, if 96% of a population has received a measles vaccine, when one individual gets measles, it is unlikely that they confer the disease to the other 4% of people, because the individual is surrounded by so many who are immune.
These individuals aren’t all free riders either. Vaccines are not 100% effective, they cannot be used on people of all ages, and some people are allergic to them. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to be vulnerable to a disease, and by one person choosing not to vaccinate, their “herd immunity” is weakened, significantly increasing their risk of becoming sick.
This has happened several times before, particularly after Andrew Wakefield’s false autism link. In 2014, a measles outbreak occurred in California, only 45% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and among those 12 were in infants too young to be vaccinated.
In defending mandatory vaccines, I have been asked if this same argument could be applied to justify gun control. While the data is conflicting depending how it’s looked at, even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. With guns, the decision that puts others in harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire. Furthermore, the decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder, while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.
Vaccines are one of the most important health advancements of the 20th century, but there are many people that they cannot directly protect. For this reason, it is critical that we prevent healthy adults from making a choice not to vaccinate.

 

Q. According to the passage if some individuals are called “free riders” it means that

A. They are receiving benefits for which they haven’t paid their fair share
B. They are joining the bandwagon of the vaccinated population
C. They are carriers of contagious diseases

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 14

The sentence “For example, if....are immune.” suggests that the 4% of people are unlikely to catch the disease against which the other 96% of population have got vaccinated. Thus they are safe without having to get vaccinated for the disease and are called “free riders”.
Option 2 is contrary to the above explanation.
Option 3 is absurd.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 15

The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced morbidity of diphtheria, mumps, polio, and several other diseases by over 99%. In the wake of such overwhelming success, many government policies have moved to make vaccines mandatory, but many libertarians and conservatives have argued that this infringes on the individual right to his or her body. However, I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.
When evaluating individual rights, the quote “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” is important to consider. Does the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate harm other individuals? In the sense that you enable yourself to transmit disease to unvaccinated individuals, yes.
The problem with this logic falls in the concept of “herd immunity”. “Herd immunity” is when such a large percentage of a population is immune to a disease that, even if one susceptible person becomes ill, the disease is unlikely to spread. For example, if 96% of a population has received a measles vaccine, when one individual gets measles, it is unlikely that they confer the disease to the other 4% of people, because the individual is surrounded by so many who are immune.
These individuals aren’t all free riders either. Vaccines are not 100% effective, they cannot be used on people of all ages, and some people are allergic to them. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to be vulnerable to a disease, and by one person choosing not to vaccinate, their “herd immunity” is weakened, significantly increasing their risk of becoming sick.
This has happened several times before, particularly after Andrew Wakefield’s false autism link. In 2014, a measles outbreak occurred in California, only 45% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and among those 12 were in infants too young to be vaccinated.
In defending mandatory vaccines, I have been asked if this same argument could be applied to justify gun control. While the data is conflicting depending how it’s looked at, even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. With guns, the decision that puts others in harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire. Furthermore, the decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder, while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.
Vaccines are one of the most important health advancements of the 20th century, but there are many people that they cannot directly protect. For this reason, it is critical that we prevent healthy adults from making a choice not to vaccinate.

 

Q. Which of the following if true would strengthen the author’s argument?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 15

Option 1 weakens the author’s argument as it states that vaccination could harm an individual.
Option 2 weakens the author’s argument as he states “I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.” Option 4 is a fact mentioned in the passage but does not strengthen the author’s argument.
Option 3 is apt and strengthens the author’s argument on vaccination.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 16

The advent of vaccines has led to a dramatic rise in the quality of life in the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced morbidity of diphtheria, mumps, polio, and several other diseases by over 99%. In the wake of such overwhelming success, many government policies have moved to make vaccines mandatory, but many libertarians and conservatives have argued that this infringes on the individual right to his or her body. However, I believe that mandatory vaccines may in fact protect rights.
When evaluating individual rights, the quote “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” is important to consider. Does the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate harm other individuals? In the sense that you enable yourself to transmit disease to unvaccinated individuals, yes.
The problem with this logic falls in the concept of “herd immunity”. “Herd immunity” is when such a large percentage of a population is immune to a disease that, even if one susceptible person becomes ill, the disease is unlikely to spread. For example, if 96% of a population has received a measles vaccine, when one individual gets measles, it is unlikely that they confer the disease to the other 4% of people, because the individual is surrounded by so many who are immune.
These individuals aren’t all free riders either. Vaccines are not 100% effective, they cannot be used on people of all ages, and some people are allergic to them. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to be vulnerable to a disease, and by one person choosing not to vaccinate, their “herd immunity” is weakened, significantly increasing their risk of becoming sick.
This has happened several times before, particularly after Andrew Wakefield’s false autism link. In 2014, a measles outbreak occurred in California, only 45% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and among those 12 were in infants too young to be vaccinated.
In defending mandatory vaccines, I have been asked if this same argument could be applied to justify gun control. While the data is conflicting depending how it’s looked at, even if there is a link between gun ownership and gun violence, I don’t believe that the increased risk associated with gun ownership is not grounds considering it a right infringement. With guns, the decision that puts others in harm’s way is not the decision to purchase, but the decision to fire. Furthermore, the decision to fire is already controlled by the illegality of assault, manslaughter, and murder, while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.
Vaccines are one of the most important health advancements of the 20th century, but there are many people that they cannot directly protect. For this reason, it is critical that we prevent healthy adults from making a choice not to vaccinate.

 

Q. Which of the following is the author likely to agree with?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 16

Option 1 is contrary to the author’s views
Options 2 and 4 are general statements which are mentioned in the passage but are not significant in the presence of option 3. The penultimate paragraph states “...while the decision not to vaccinate cannot be controlled by anything other than laws mandating it.”, thus, option 3 is apt as it resonates with the author’s views.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 17

Group Question

A passage is followed by questions pertaining to the passage. Read the passage and answer the questions. Choose the most appropriate answer.

Van Gogh drew and painted with watercolors while at school; few of these works survive and authorship is challenged on some of those that do. When he committed to art as an adult, he began at an elementary level by copying the Cours de dessin, edited by Charles Bargue and published by Goupil & Cie. Within his first two years he had began to seek commissions. In spring 1882, his uncle, Cornelis Marinus (owner of a renowned gallery of contemporary art in Amsterdam) asked him for drawings of the Hague. Van Gogh's work did not prove equal to his uncle's expectations. Marinus offered a second commission, this time specifying the subject matter in detail, but was once again disappointed with the result. Nevertheless, Van Gogh persevered. He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials. For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in “Black and White”, which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces. Early in 1883, he undertook work on multi-figure compositions, which he based on the drawings. He had some of them photographed, but when his brother remarked that they lacked liveliness and freshness, Van Gogh destroyed them and turned to oil painting. By autumn 1882, Theo had enabled him to do his first paintings, but the amount Theo could supply was soon spent. Then, in spring 1883, Van Gogh turned to renowned Hague School artists like Weissenbruch and Blommers, and received technical support from them, as well as from painters like De Bock and Van der Weele, both Hague School artists of the second generation.

When he moved to Nuenen after the intermezzo in Drenthe, he began a number of large size paintings, but destroyed most. The Potato Eaters and its companion pieces- The Old Tower on the Nuenen cemetery and The Cottage- are the only to have survived. Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he traveled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill. More or less acquainted with Impressionist and Neo-impressionist techniques and theories, Van Gogh went to Arles to develop these new possibilities. But within a short time, older ideas on art and work reappeared: ideas such as series on related or contrasting subject matter, which would reflect the purposes of art. As his work progressed, he painted a great many Self-portraits. Already in 1884 in Nuenen he had worked on a series that was to decorate the dining room of a friend in Eindhoven. Similarly in Arles, in spring 1888 he arranged his Flowering Orchards into triptychs, began a series of figures that found its end in The Roulin Family, and finally, when Gauguin had consented to work and live in Arles side-by-side with Van Gogh, he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook. Most of his later work is elaborating or revising its fundamental settings. In the spring of 1889, he painted another smaller group of orchards. In an April letter to Theo, he said, “I have 6 studies of spring, two of them large orchards. There is little time because these effects are so short-lived.”

The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality. The White House at Night, shows a house at twilight with a prominent star with a yellow halo in the sky. Astronomers at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos calculated that the star is Venus, which was bright in the evening sky in June 1890 when Van Gogh is believed to have painted the picture. The paintings from the Saint-Remy period are often characterized by swirls and spirals. The patterns of luminosity in these images have been shown to conform to Kolmogorov's statistical model of turbulence.

 

Q. From the passage, one can conclude that Hague School Artists:

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 17

The correct answer is 2. Option 1 is wrong because it is an assumption. Option 3 is wrong as even though they offered technical support to Van Gogh, it doesn’t mean that they were that generous with everyone. Option 4 is wrong as it doesn’t say anywhere that they helped Van Gogh because Theo said so, merely that it came after Theo.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 18

Van Gogh drew and painted with watercolors while at school; few of these works survive and authorship is challenged on some of those that do. When he committed to art as an adult, he began at an elementary level by copying the Cours de dessin, edited by Charles Bargue and published by Goupil & Cie. Within his first two years he had began to seek commissions. In spring 1882, his uncle, Cornelis Marinus (owner of a renowned gallery of contemporary art in Amsterdam) asked him for drawings of the Hague. Van Gogh's work did not prove equal to his uncle's expectations. Marinus offered a second commission, this time specifying the subject matter in detail, but was once again disappointed with the result. Nevertheless, Van Gogh persevered. He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials. For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in “Black and White”, which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces. Early in 1883, he undertook work on multi-figure compositions, which he based on the drawings. He had some of them photographed, but when his brother remarked that they lacked liveliness and freshness, Van Gogh destroyed them and turned to oil painting. By autumn 1882, Theo had enabled him to do his first paintings, but the amount Theo could supply was soon spent. Then, in spring 1883, Van Gogh turned to renowned Hague School artists like Weissenbruch and Blommers, and received technical support from them, as well as from painters like De Bock and Van der Weele, both Hague School artists of the second generation.

When he moved to Nuenen after the intermezzo in Drenthe, he began a number of large size paintings, but destroyed most. The Potato Eaters and its companion pieces- The Old Tower on the Nuenen cemetery and The Cottage- are the only to have survived. Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he traveled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill. More or less acquainted with Impressionist and Neo-impressionist techniques and theories, Van Gogh went to Arles to develop these new possibilities. But within a short time, older ideas on art and work reappeared: ideas such as series on related or contrasting subject matter, which would reflect the purposes of art. As his work progressed, he painted a great many Self-portraits. Already in 1884 in Nuenen he had worked on a series that was to decorate the dining room of a friend in Eindhoven. Similarly in Arles, in spring 1888 he arranged his Flowering Orchards into triptychs, began a series of figures that found its end in The Roulin Family, and finally, when Gauguin had consented to work and live in Arles side-by-side with Van Gogh, he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook. Most of his later work is elaborating or revising its fundamental settings. In the spring of 1889, he painted another smaller group of orchards. In an April letter to Theo, he said, “I have 6 studies of spring, two of them large orchards. There is little time because these effects are so short-lived.”

The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality. The White House at Night, shows a house at twilight with a prominent star with a yellow halo in the sky. Astronomers at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos calculated that the star is Venus, which was bright in the evening sky in June 1890 when Van Gogh is believed to have painted the picture. The paintings from the Saint-Remy period are often characterized by swirls and spirals. The patterns of luminosity in these images have been shown to conform to Kolmogorov's statistical model of turbulence.

 

Q. In the context of this passage, what does the word “atelier mean?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 18

The passage mentions the word “atelier” in the following extract, “He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials.” From this we can eliminate options 1,2 and 4, since they will come under “drawing materials”.
The dictionary meaning of the word “atelier” is ‘a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer.’ Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 19

Van Gogh drew and painted with watercolors while at school; few of these works survive and authorship is challenged on some of those that do. When he committed to art as an adult, he began at an elementary level by copying the Cours de dessin, edited by Charles Bargue and published by Goupil & Cie. Within his first two years he had began to seek commissions. In spring 1882, his uncle, Cornelis Marinus (owner of a renowned gallery of contemporary art in Amsterdam) asked him for drawings of the Hague. Van Gogh's work did not prove equal to his uncle's expectations. Marinus offered a second commission, this time specifying the subject matter in detail, but was once again disappointed with the result. Nevertheless, Van Gogh persevered. He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials. For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in “Black and White”, which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces. Early in 1883, he undertook work on multi-figure compositions, which he based on the drawings. He had some of them photographed, but when his brother remarked that they lacked liveliness and freshness, Van Gogh destroyed them and turned to oil painting. By autumn 1882, Theo had enabled him to do his first paintings, but the amount Theo could supply was soon spent. Then, in spring 1883, Van Gogh turned to renowned Hague School artists like Weissenbruch and Blommers, and received technical support from them, as well as from painters like De Bock and Van der Weele, both Hague School artists of the second generation.

When he moved to Nuenen after the intermezzo in Drenthe, he began a number of large size paintings, but destroyed most. The Potato Eaters and its companion pieces- The Old Tower on the Nuenen cemetery and The Cottage- are the only to have survived. Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he traveled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill. More or less acquainted with Impressionist and Neo-impressionist techniques and theories, Van Gogh went to Arles to develop these new possibilities. But within a short time, older ideas on art and work reappeared: ideas such as series on related or contrasting subject matter, which would reflect the purposes of art. As his work progressed, he painted a great many Self-portraits. Already in 1884 in Nuenen he had worked on a series that was to decorate the dining room of a friend in Eindhoven. Similarly in Arles, in spring 1888 he arranged his Flowering Orchards into triptychs, began a series of figures that found its end in The Roulin Family, and finally, when Gauguin had consented to work and live in Arles side-by-side with Van Gogh, he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook. Most of his later work is elaborating or revising its fundamental settings. In the spring of 1889, he painted another smaller group of orchards. In an April letter to Theo, he said, “I have 6 studies of spring, two of them large orchards. There is little time because these effects are so short-lived.”

The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality. The White House at Night, shows a house at twilight with a prominent star with a yellow halo in the sky. Astronomers at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos calculated that the star is Venus, which was bright in the evening sky in June 1890 when Van Gogh is believed to have painted the picture. The paintings from the Saint-Remy period are often characterized by swirls and spirals. The patterns of luminosity in these images have been shown to conform to Kolmogorov's statistical model of turbulence.

 

Q. Why Van Gogh must have destroyed his paintings?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 19

The following extract provides the answer to the question, “Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he travelled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill.” Therefore, Van Gogh destroyed his paintings.
Option 1 is incorrect. Although Marinus was unhappy with Van Gogh’s work, it is stated in the paragraph that Van Gogh “persevered.” Options 2 and 3 are incorrect as there is no evidence to support them.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 20

Van Gogh drew and painted with watercolors while at school; few of these works survive and authorship is challenged on some of those that do. When he committed to art as an adult, he began at an elementary level by copying the Cours de dessin, edited by Charles Bargue and published by Goupil & Cie. Within his first two years he had began to seek commissions. In spring 1882, his uncle, Cornelis Marinus (owner of a renowned gallery of contemporary art in Amsterdam) asked him for drawings of the Hague. Van Gogh's work did not prove equal to his uncle's expectations. Marinus offered a second commission, this time specifying the subject matter in detail, but was once again disappointed with the result. Nevertheless, Van Gogh persevered. He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials. For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in “Black and White”, which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces. Early in 1883, he undertook work on multi-figure compositions, which he based on the drawings. He had some of them photographed, but when his brother remarked that they lacked liveliness and freshness, Van Gogh destroyed them and turned to oil painting. By autumn 1882, Theo had enabled him to do his first paintings, but the amount Theo could supply was soon spent. Then, in spring 1883, Van Gogh turned to renowned Hague School artists like Weissenbruch and Blommers, and received technical support from them, as well as from painters like De Bock and Van der Weele, both Hague School artists of the second generation.

When he moved to Nuenen after the intermezzo in Drenthe, he began a number of large size paintings, but destroyed most. The Potato Eaters and its companion pieces- The Old Tower on the Nuenen cemetery and The Cottage- are the only to have survived. Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he traveled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill. More or less acquainted with Impressionist and Neo-impressionist techniques and theories, Van Gogh went to Arles to develop these new possibilities. But within a short time, older ideas on art and work reappeared: ideas such as series on related or contrasting subject matter, which would reflect the purposes of art. As his work progressed, he painted a great many Self-portraits. Already in 1884 in Nuenen he had worked on a series that was to decorate the dining room of a friend in Eindhoven. Similarly in Arles, in spring 1888 he arranged his Flowering Orchards into triptychs, began a series of figures that found its end in The Roulin Family, and finally, when Gauguin had consented to work and live in Arles side-by-side with Van Gogh, he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook. Most of his later work is elaborating or revising its fundamental settings. In the spring of 1889, he painted another smaller group of orchards. In an April letter to Theo, he said, “I have 6 studies of spring, two of them large orchards. There is little time because these effects are so short-lived.”

The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality. The White House at Night, shows a house at twilight with a prominent star with a yellow halo in the sky. Astronomers at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos calculated that the star is Venus, which was bright in the evening sky in June 1890 when Van Gogh is believed to have painted the picture. The paintings from the Saint-Remy period are often characterized by swirls and spirals. The patterns of luminosity in these images have been shown to conform to Kolmogorov's statistical model of turbulence.

 

Q. In the context of the passage, which of the following statements is not true about Van Gogh?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 20

Although it is a widely known fact that Van Gogh cut his own ear off, it hasn’t been mentioned in the passage. Therefore, it is not true based on the passage.
Option 1 can be eliminated as the passage states, “The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality”.
Option 2 can be eliminated as the passage states, “For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in "Black and White", which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces”.
Option 3 can be eliminated as the passage states, “he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook”. Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 21

Van Gogh drew and painted with watercolors while at school; few of these works survive and authorship is challenged on some of those that do. When he committed to art as an adult, he began at an elementary level by copying the Cours de dessin, edited by Charles Bargue and published by Goupil & Cie. Within his first two years he had began to seek commissions. In spring 1882, his uncle, Cornelis Marinus (owner of a renowned gallery of contemporary art in Amsterdam) asked him for drawings of the Hague. Van Gogh's work did not prove equal to his uncle's expectations. Marinus offered a second commission, this time specifying the subject matter in detail, but was once again disappointed with the result. Nevertheless, Van Gogh persevered. He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials. For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in “Black and White”, which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces. Early in 1883, he undertook work on multi-figure compositions, which he based on the drawings. He had some of them photographed, but when his brother remarked that they lacked liveliness and freshness, Van Gogh destroyed them and turned to oil painting. By autumn 1882, Theo had enabled him to do his first paintings, but the amount Theo could supply was soon spent. Then, in spring 1883, Van Gogh turned to renowned Hague School artists like Weissenbruch and Blommers, and received technical support from them, as well as from painters like De Bock and Van der Weele, both Hague School artists of the second generation.

When he moved to Nuenen after the intermezzo in Drenthe, he began a number of large size paintings, but destroyed most. The Potato Eaters and its companion pieces- The Old Tower on the Nuenen cemetery and The Cottage- are the only to have survived. Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he traveled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill. More or less acquainted with Impressionist and Neo-impressionist techniques and theories, Van Gogh went to Arles to develop these new possibilities. But within a short time, older ideas on art and work reappeared: ideas such as series on related or contrasting subject matter, which would reflect the purposes of art. As his work progressed, he painted a great many Self-portraits. Already in 1884 in Nuenen he had worked on a series that was to decorate the dining room of a friend in Eindhoven. Similarly in Arles, in spring 1888 he arranged his Flowering Orchards into triptychs, began a series of figures that found its end in The Roulin Family, and finally, when Gauguin had consented to work and live in Arles side-by-side with Van Gogh, he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook. Most of his later work is elaborating or revising its fundamental settings. In the spring of 1889, he painted another smaller group of orchards. In an April letter to Theo, he said, “I have 6 studies of spring, two of them large orchards. There is little time because these effects are so short-lived.”

The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality. The White House at Night, shows a house at twilight with a prominent star with a yellow halo in the sky. Astronomers at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos calculated that the star is Venus, which was bright in the evening sky in June 1890 when Van Gogh is believed to have painted the picture. The paintings from the Saint-Remy period are often characterized by swirls and spirals. The patterns of luminosity in these images have been shown to conform to Kolmogorov's statistical model of turbulence.

 

Q. Which of the following would be an appropriate title for the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 21

The passage describes Van Gogh’s paintings and the emergence of his art.
Option 1 is incorrect as the passage mentions his famous works as well as his forgotten works.
Option 3 is incorrect as the passage doesn’t describe his life at all, apart from his work.
Option 4 is incorrect as even though Van Gogh is probably a genius, the passage states his work as facts and doesn’t offer any opinions.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 22

Van Gogh drew and painted with watercolors while at school; few of these works survive and authorship is challenged on some of those that do. When he committed to art as an adult, he began at an elementary level by copying the Cours de dessin, edited by Charles Bargue and published by Goupil & Cie. Within his first two years he had began to seek commissions. In spring 1882, his uncle, Cornelis Marinus (owner of a renowned gallery of contemporary art in Amsterdam) asked him for drawings of the Hague. Van Gogh's work did not prove equal to his uncle's expectations. Marinus offered a second commission, this time specifying the subject matter in detail, but was once again disappointed with the result. Nevertheless, Van Gogh persevered. He improved the lighting of his atelier by installing variable shutters and experimented with a variety of drawing materials. For more than a year he worked on single figures- highly elaborated studies in “Black and White”, which at the time gained him only criticism. Today, they are recognized as his first masterpieces. Early in 1883, he undertook work on multi-figure compositions, which he based on the drawings. He had some of them photographed, but when his brother remarked that they lacked liveliness and freshness, Van Gogh destroyed them and turned to oil painting. By autumn 1882, Theo had enabled him to do his first paintings, but the amount Theo could supply was soon spent. Then, in spring 1883, Van Gogh turned to renowned Hague School artists like Weissenbruch and Blommers, and received technical support from them, as well as from painters like De Bock and Van der Weele, both Hague School artists of the second generation.

When he moved to Nuenen after the intermezzo in Drenthe, he began a number of large size paintings, but destroyed most. The Potato Eaters and its companion pieces- The Old Tower on the Nuenen cemetery and The Cottage- are the only to have survived. Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh was aware that many of his faults were due to lack of technical experience. So he traveled to Antwerp and later to Paris to learn and develop his skill. More or less acquainted with Impressionist and Neo-impressionist techniques and theories, Van Gogh went to Arles to develop these new possibilities. But within a short time, older ideas on art and work reappeared: ideas such as series on related or contrasting subject matter, which would reflect the purposes of art. As his work progressed, he painted a great many Self-portraits. Already in 1884 in Nuenen he had worked on a series that was to decorate the dining room of a friend in Eindhoven. Similarly in Arles, in spring 1888 he arranged his Flowering Orchards into triptychs, began a series of figures that found its end in The Roulin Family, and finally, when Gauguin had consented to work and live in Arles side-by-side with Van Gogh, he started to work on the The Decoration for the Yellow House, which was by some accounts the most ambitious effort he ever undertook. Most of his later work is elaborating or revising its fundamental settings. In the spring of 1889, he painted another smaller group of orchards. In an April letter to Theo, he said, “I have 6 studies of spring, two of them large orchards. There is little time because these effects are so short-lived.”

The art historian Albert Boime was the first to show that Van Gogh- even in seemingly phantastical compositions like Starry Night- relied on reality. The White House at Night, shows a house at twilight with a prominent star with a yellow halo in the sky. Astronomers at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos calculated that the star is Venus, which was bright in the evening sky in June 1890 when Van Gogh is believed to have painted the picture. The paintings from the Saint-Remy period are often characterized by swirls and spirals. The patterns of luminosity in these images have been shown to conform to Kolmogorov's statistical model of turbulence.

 

Q. Which of the following paintings was destroyed at the hands of Van Gogh?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 22

Although the passage says that Van Gogh destroyed many of his large paintings, it does not mention the names of any of those paintings.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 23

Group Question

A passage is followed by questions pertaining to the passage. Read the passage and answer the questions. Choose the most appropriate answer.

Historical eclipses are a valuable resource for historians, in that they allow a few historical events to be dated precisely, from which other dates and a society's calendar may be deduced. Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse. A solar eclipse of June 15, 763 BCE mentioned in an Assyrian text is important for the Chronology of the Ancient Orient. Also known as the eclipse of Bur Sagale, it is the earliest solar eclipse mentioned in historical sources that have been identified successfully. Perhaps the earliest still-unproven claim is that of archaeologist Bruce Masse asserting on the basis of several ancient flood myths, which mention a total solar eclipse, he links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean. There have been other claims to date earlier eclipses, notably that of Mursili II (likely 1312 BCE), in Babylonia, and also in China, during the Fifth Year (2084 BCE) of the regime of Emperor Zhong Kang of Xia dynasty, but these are highly disputed and rely on much supposition.
Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse. Exactly which eclipse was involved has remained uncertain, although the issue has been studied by hundreds of ancient and modern authorities. One likely candidate took place on May 28, 585 BCE, probably near the Halys river in the middle of modern Turkey.
An annular eclipse of the Sun occurred at Sardis on February 17, 478 BCE, while Xerxes was departing for his expedition against Greece, as Herodotus recorded. Hind and Chambers considered this absolute date more than a century ago. Herodotus also reports that another solar eclipse was observed in Sparta during the next year, on August 1,477 BCE. The sky suddenly darkened in the middle of the day, well after the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, after the departure of Mardonius to Thessalyat the beginning of the spring of (477 BCE) and his second attack on Athens, after the return of Cleombrotus to Sparta. The modern conventional dates are different by a year or two, and that these two eclipse records have been ignored so far. The Chronicle of Ireland recorded a solar eclipse on June 29, 512 CE, and a solar eclipse was reported to have taken place during the Battle of Stiklestad in July, 1030.

In the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, the incident is related to the thirteenth day when Arjun vows to slay Jayadrath before nightfall, to avenge the death of Abhimanyu at Jayadratha's hands. What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath. Astronomers have calculated all possible eclipse pairs matching the above time difference and being visible from Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata war. 3129 BCE and 2559 BCE appear to be the best candidate for the Mahabharata war.
Attempts have been made to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of solar eclipses, but this research has not yielded conclusive results. Research has manifested the inability of total solar eclipses to serve as explanations for the recorded Good Friday features of the crucifixion eclipse. (Good Friday is recorded as being at Passover, which is also recorded as being at or near the time of a full moon. Also, eclipses naturally occur on a full moon day.)

 

Q. Which of the following consequences did not occur due to an eclipse?
A. Two warring sides declaring peace.
B. A possible meteor shower.
C. Jayadrath’s death.
D. The determination of an exact date for Good Friday.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 23

The last paragraph states that the research hasn’t yielded any conclusive results for the exact date of Good Friday, and therefore statement D can’t be due to an eclipse.
Statement A is correct because paragraph two states that “Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse.” Statement B is correct because archeologist Bruce Masse “links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean.”
Statement C is correct because “What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath.” Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 24

Historical eclipses are a valuable resource for historians, in that they allow a few historical events to be dated precisely, from which other dates and a society's calendar may be deduced. Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse. A solar eclipse of June 15, 763 BCE mentioned in an Assyrian text is important for the Chronology of the Ancient Orient. Also known as the eclipse of Bur Sagale, it is the earliest solar eclipse mentioned in historical sources that have been identified successfully. Perhaps the earliest still-unproven claim is that of archaeologist Bruce Masse asserting on the basis of several ancient flood myths, which mention a total solar eclipse, he links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean. There have been other claims to date earlier eclipses, notably that of Mursili II (likely 1312 BCE), in Babylonia, and also in China, during the Fifth Year (2084 BCE) of the regime of Emperor Zhong Kang of Xia dynasty, but these are highly disputed and rely on much supposition.
Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse. Exactly which eclipse was involved has remained uncertain, although the issue has been studied by hundreds of ancient and modern authorities. One likely candidate took place on May 28, 585 BCE, probably near the Halys river in the middle of modern Turkey.
An annular eclipse of the Sun occurred at Sardis on February 17, 478 BCE, while Xerxes was departing for his expedition against Greece, as Herodotus recorded. Hind and Chambers considered this absolute date more than a century ago. Herodotus also reports that another solar eclipse was observed in Sparta during the next year, on August 1,477 BCE. The sky suddenly darkened in the middle of the day, well after the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, after the departure of Mardonius to Thessalyat the beginning of the spring of (477 BCE) and his second attack on Athens, after the return of Cleombrotus to Sparta. The modern conventional dates are different by a year or two, and that these two eclipse records have been ignored so far. The Chronicle of Ireland recorded a solar eclipse on June 29, 512 CE, and a solar eclipse was reported to have taken place during the Battle of Stiklestad in July, 1030.

In the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, the incident is related to the thirteenth day when Arjun vows to slay Jayadrath before nightfall, to avenge the death of Abhimanyu at Jayadratha's hands. What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath. Astronomers have calculated all possible eclipse pairs matching the above time difference and being visible from Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata war. 3129 BCE and 2559 BCE appear to be the best candidate for the Mahabharata war.
Attempts have been made to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of solar eclipses, but this research has not yielded conclusive results. Research has manifested the inability of total solar eclipses to serve as explanations for the recorded Good Friday features of the crucifixion eclipse. (Good Friday is recorded as being at Passover, which is also recorded as being at or near the time of a full moon. Also, eclipses naturally occur on a full moon day.)

 

Q. Which of the following could be possibly untrue about the “heliocentric theory”?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 24

The chronology of the Ancient Orient is affected by solar eclipses, not the heliocentric theory. The meaning of the word “heliocentric” can be deduced from the word “helio” which can mean sun (helios is the Latin word for sun) and centric is obviously “centred around”. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that the heliocentric theory is about the Sun being the centre. Therefore, options 1 and 2 are eliminated.
The statement “Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse” confirms option 3.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 25

Historical eclipses are a valuable resource for historians, in that they allow a few historical events to be dated precisely, from which other dates and a society's calendar may be deduced. Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse. A solar eclipse of June 15, 763 BCE mentioned in an Assyrian text is important for the Chronology of the Ancient Orient. Also known as the eclipse of Bur Sagale, it is the earliest solar eclipse mentioned in historical sources that have been identified successfully. Perhaps the earliest still-unproven claim is that of archaeologist Bruce Masse asserting on the basis of several ancient flood myths, which mention a total solar eclipse, he links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean. There have been other claims to date earlier eclipses, notably that of Mursili II (likely 1312 BCE), in Babylonia, and also in China, during the Fifth Year (2084 BCE) of the regime of Emperor Zhong Kang of Xia dynasty, but these are highly disputed and rely on much supposition.
Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse. Exactly which eclipse was involved has remained uncertain, although the issue has been studied by hundreds of ancient and modern authorities. One likely candidate took place on May 28, 585 BCE, probably near the Halys river in the middle of modern Turkey.
An annular eclipse of the Sun occurred at Sardis on February 17, 478 BCE, while Xerxes was departing for his expedition against Greece, as Herodotus recorded. Hind and Chambers considered this absolute date more than a century ago. Herodotus also reports that another solar eclipse was observed in Sparta during the next year, on August 1,477 BCE. The sky suddenly darkened in the middle of the day, well after the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, after the departure of Mardonius to Thessalyat the beginning of the spring of (477 BCE) and his second attack on Athens, after the return of Cleombrotus to Sparta. The modern conventional dates are different by a year or two, and that these two eclipse records have been ignored so far. The Chronicle of Ireland recorded a solar eclipse on June 29, 512 CE, and a solar eclipse was reported to have taken place during the Battle of Stiklestad in July, 1030.

In the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, the incident is related to the thirteenth day when Arjun vows to slay Jayadrath before nightfall, to avenge the death of Abhimanyu at Jayadratha's hands. What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath. Astronomers have calculated all possible eclipse pairs matching the above time difference and being visible from Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata war. 3129 BCE and 2559 BCE appear to be the best candidate for the Mahabharata war.
Attempts have been made to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of solar eclipses, but this research has not yielded conclusive results. Research has manifested the inability of total solar eclipses to serve as explanations for the recorded Good Friday features of the crucifixion eclipse. (Good Friday is recorded as being at Passover, which is also recorded as being at or near the time of a full moon. Also, eclipses naturally occur on a full moon day.)

 

Q. According to the author, a solar eclipse:
A. Helped Arjun avenge the death of Abhimanyu.
B. Dissuaded Herodotus from recording Xerxes' departure for Greece.
C. Helped determine the year of the Battle of Stiklestad.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 25

A solar eclipse helped Arjun avenge the death of Abhimanyu as it lured Jayadrath out of hiding before the end of the day. Therefore, sentence A is right.
Sentence C is right because it can be deduced that the solar eclipse probably helped Historians determine the date as July 1030.
Sentence B is wrong, as Herodotus did record both- the Eclipse as well as Xerxes’ departure.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 26

Historical eclipses are a valuable resource for historians, in that they allow a few historical events to be dated precisely, from which other dates and a society's calendar may be deduced. Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse. A solar eclipse of June 15, 763 BCE mentioned in an Assyrian text is important for the Chronology of the Ancient Orient. Also known as the eclipse of Bur Sagale, it is the earliest solar eclipse mentioned in historical sources that have been identified successfully. Perhaps the earliest still-unproven claim is that of archaeologist Bruce Masse asserting on the basis of several ancient flood myths, which mention a total solar eclipse, he links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean. There have been other claims to date earlier eclipses, notably that of Mursili II (likely 1312 BCE), in Babylonia, and also in China, during the Fifth Year (2084 BCE) of the regime of Emperor Zhong Kang of Xia dynasty, but these are highly disputed and rely on much supposition.
Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse. Exactly which eclipse was involved has remained uncertain, although the issue has been studied by hundreds of ancient and modern authorities. One likely candidate took place on May 28, 585 BCE, probably near the Halys river in the middle of modern Turkey.
An annular eclipse of the Sun occurred at Sardis on February 17, 478 BCE, while Xerxes was departing for his expedition against Greece, as Herodotus recorded. Hind and Chambers considered this absolute date more than a century ago. Herodotus also reports that another solar eclipse was observed in Sparta during the next year, on August 1,477 BCE. The sky suddenly darkened in the middle of the day, well after the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, after the departure of Mardonius to Thessalyat the beginning of the spring of (477 BCE) and his second attack on Athens, after the return of Cleombrotus to Sparta. The modern conventional dates are different by a year or two, and that these two eclipse records have been ignored so far. The Chronicle of Ireland recorded a solar eclipse on June 29, 512 CE, and a solar eclipse was reported to have taken place during the Battle of Stiklestad in July, 1030.

In the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, the incident is related to the thirteenth day when Arjun vows to slay Jayadrath before nightfall, to avenge the death of Abhimanyu at Jayadratha's hands. What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath. Astronomers have calculated all possible eclipse pairs matching the above time difference and being visible from Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata war. 3129 BCE and 2559 BCE appear to be the best candidate for the Mahabharata war.
Attempts have been made to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of solar eclipses, but this research has not yielded conclusive results. Research has manifested the inability of total solar eclipses to serve as explanations for the recorded Good Friday features of the crucifixion eclipse. (Good Friday is recorded as being at Passover, which is also recorded as being at or near the time of a full moon. Also, eclipses naturally occur on a full moon day.)

 

Q. The most apt title for this passage is:

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 26

Historical Eclipses and their significance. The passage mentions the major eclipses in history and how they helped Historians determine dates and years of major events.
Options 1,2 and 4 miss out on the core of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 27

Historical eclipses are a valuable resource for historians, in that they allow a few historical events to be dated precisely, from which other dates and a society's calendar may be deduced. Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse. A solar eclipse of June 15, 763 BCE mentioned in an Assyrian text is important for the Chronology of the Ancient Orient. Also known as the eclipse of Bur Sagale, it is the earliest solar eclipse mentioned in historical sources that have been identified successfully. Perhaps the earliest still-unproven claim is that of archaeologist Bruce Masse asserting on the basis of several ancient flood myths, which mention a total solar eclipse, he links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean. There have been other claims to date earlier eclipses, notably that of Mursili II (likely 1312 BCE), in Babylonia, and also in China, during the Fifth Year (2084 BCE) of the regime of Emperor Zhong Kang of Xia dynasty, but these are highly disputed and rely on much supposition.
Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse. Exactly which eclipse was involved has remained uncertain, although the issue has been studied by hundreds of ancient and modern authorities. One likely candidate took place on May 28, 585 BCE, probably near the Halys river in the middle of modern Turkey.
An annular eclipse of the Sun occurred at Sardis on February 17, 478 BCE, while Xerxes was departing for his expedition against Greece, as Herodotus recorded. Hind and Chambers considered this absolute date more than a century ago. Herodotus also reports that another solar eclipse was observed in Sparta during the next year, on August 1,477 BCE. The sky suddenly darkened in the middle of the day, well after the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, after the departure of Mardonius to Thessalyat the beginning of the spring of (477 BCE) and his second attack on Athens, after the return of Cleombrotus to Sparta. The modern conventional dates are different by a year or two, and that these two eclipse records have been ignored so far. The Chronicle of Ireland recorded a solar eclipse on June 29, 512 CE, and a solar eclipse was reported to have taken place during the Battle of Stiklestad in July, 1030.

In the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, the incident is related to the thirteenth day when Arjun vows to slay Jayadrath before nightfall, to avenge the death of Abhimanyu at Jayadratha's hands. What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath. Astronomers have calculated all possible eclipse pairs matching the above time difference and being visible from Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata war. 3129 BCE and 2559 BCE appear to be the best candidate for the Mahabharata war.
Attempts have been made to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of solar eclipses, but this research has not yielded conclusive results. Research has manifested the inability of total solar eclipses to serve as explanations for the recorded Good Friday features of the crucifixion eclipse. (Good Friday is recorded as being at Passover, which is also recorded as being at or near the time of a full moon. Also, eclipses naturally occur on a full moon day.)

 

Q. Which of the following does not find any mention in the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 27

There is no data on Lunar eclipse with respect to crucifixion eclipse. It can be implied based on the given data, but it does not find any mention in the passage.
All the other options have been mentioned almost verbatim in the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 28

Historical eclipses are a valuable resource for historians, in that they allow a few historical events to be dated precisely, from which other dates and a society's calendar may be deduced. Aryabhata (476-550) concluded the Heliocentric theory in solar eclipse. A solar eclipse of June 15, 763 BCE mentioned in an Assyrian text is important for the Chronology of the Ancient Orient. Also known as the eclipse of Bur Sagale, it is the earliest solar eclipse mentioned in historical sources that have been identified successfully. Perhaps the earliest still-unproven claim is that of archaeologist Bruce Masse asserting on the basis of several ancient flood myths, which mention a total solar eclipse, he links an eclipse that occurred May 10, 2807 BCE with a possible meteor impact in the Indian Ocean. There have been other claims to date earlier eclipses, notably that of Mursili II (likely 1312 BCE), in Babylonia, and also in China, during the Fifth Year (2084 BCE) of the regime of Emperor Zhong Kang of Xia dynasty, but these are highly disputed and rely on much supposition.
Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse which occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. Soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and declared peace as a result of the eclipse. Exactly which eclipse was involved has remained uncertain, although the issue has been studied by hundreds of ancient and modern authorities. One likely candidate took place on May 28, 585 BCE, probably near the Halys river in the middle of modern Turkey.
An annular eclipse of the Sun occurred at Sardis on February 17, 478 BCE, while Xerxes was departing for his expedition against Greece, as Herodotus recorded. Hind and Chambers considered this absolute date more than a century ago. Herodotus also reports that another solar eclipse was observed in Sparta during the next year, on August 1,477 BCE. The sky suddenly darkened in the middle of the day, well after the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, after the departure of Mardonius to Thessalyat the beginning of the spring of (477 BCE) and his second attack on Athens, after the return of Cleombrotus to Sparta. The modern conventional dates are different by a year or two, and that these two eclipse records have been ignored so far. The Chronicle of Ireland recorded a solar eclipse on June 29, 512 CE, and a solar eclipse was reported to have taken place during the Battle of Stiklestad in July, 1030.

In the Indian epic, The Mahabharata, the incident is related to the thirteenth day when Arjun vows to slay Jayadrath before nightfall, to avenge the death of Abhimanyu at Jayadratha's hands. What may only be described as a solar eclipse brought Jayadrath out to celebrate his surviving the day, only to have the sun reappear and Arjun kill Jayadrath. Astronomers have calculated all possible eclipse pairs matching the above time difference and being visible from Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata war. 3129 BCE and 2559 BCE appear to be the best candidate for the Mahabharata war.
Attempts have been made to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of solar eclipses, but this research has not yielded conclusive results. Research has manifested the inability of total solar eclipses to serve as explanations for the recorded Good Friday features of the crucifixion eclipse. (Good Friday is recorded as being at Passover, which is also recorded as being at or near the time of a full moon. Also, eclipses naturally occur on a full moon day.)

 

Q. Which of the following states the significance of a solar eclipse?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 28

Option 2 is incorrect as the passage mentions that the research to establish the exact date of Good Friday by means of a solar eclipse has yielded inconclusive results.
Although options 3 and 4 are stated in the passage, they do not give the importance of solar eclipse.
Option 1 correctly highlights the importance of a solar eclipse. Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 29

Group Question

The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

If we have hitherto drawn our notion of duty from the common use of our practical reason, it is by no means to be inferred that we have treated it as an empirical notion. On the contrary, if we attend to the experience of men's conduct, we meet frequent and, as we ourselves allow, just complaints that one cannot find a single certain example of the disposition to act from pure duty. Although many things are done in conformity with what duty prescribes, it is nevertheless always doubtful whether they are done strictly from duty, so as to have a moral worth. Hence, there have at all times been philosophers who have altogether denied that this disposition actually exists at all in human actions, and have ascribed everything to a more or less refined self-love. They spoke with sincere regret of the frailty and corruption of human nature, which, though noble enough to take its rule an idea so worthy of respect, is yet weak to follow it.
Sometimes it happens that with the sharpest self-examination we can find nothing beside the moral principle of duty which could have been powerful enough to move us to this or that action and to so great a sacrifice; yet we cannot from this infer with certainty that it was not really some secret impulse of self-love, under the false appearance of duty, that was the actual determining cause of the will. We like them to flatter ourselves by falsely taking credit for a more noble motive; whereas in fact we can never, even by the strictest examination, get completely behind the secret springs of action; since, when the question is of moral worth, it is not with the actions which we see that we are concerned, but with those inward principles of them which we do not see.
Moreover, we cannot better serve the wishes of those who ridicule all morality as a mere chimera of human imagination over stepping itself from vanity, than by conceding to them that notions of duty must be drawn only from experience (as from indolence, people are ready to think is also the case with all other notions); for it is to prepare for them a certain triumph. I am willing to admit out of love of humanity that even most of our actions are correct, but if we look closer at them we everywhere come upon the dear self which is always prominent, and it is this they have in view and not the strict command of duty which would often require self- denial. Without being an enemy of virtue, a cool observer, one that does not mistake the wish for good, however lively, for its reality, may sometimes doubt whether true virtue is actually found anywhere in the world, and this especially as years increase and the judgement is partly made wiser by experience and partly, also, more acute in observation.
This being so, nothing can secure us from falling away altogether from our ideas of duty, or maintain in the soul a well-grounded respect for its law, but the clear conviction that although there should never have been actions which really sprang from such pure sources, yet whether this or that takes place is not at all the question; but that reason of itself, independent on all experience, ordains what ought to take place, that accordingly actions of which perhaps the world has hitherto never given an example, the feasibility even of which might be very much doubted by one who founds everything on experience, are nevertheless inflexibly commanded by reason; that, e.g., even though there might never yet have been a sincere friend, yet not a whit the less is pure sincerity in friendship required of every man, because, prior to all experience, this duty is involved as duty in the idea of a reason determining the will by a priori principles.

 

Q. According to the passage how is “duty” connected with “self - love”?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 29

The passage states, “Sometimes it.....springs of action”; This implies that we commit virtuous acts under some impulse of self-love and like to flatter ourselves by falsely taking credit for a noble motive. This resonates with option 1.
Option 2 contradicts the passage.
Options 3 and 4 are not mentioned nor can they be inferred from the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 30

If we have hitherto drawn our notion of duty from the common use of our practical reason, it is by no means to be inferred that we have treated it as an empirical notion. On the contrary, if we attend to the experience of men's conduct, we meet frequent and, as we ourselves allow, just complaints that one cannot find a single certain example of the disposition to act from pure duty. Although many things are done in conformity with what duty prescribes, it is nevertheless always doubtful whether they are done strictly from duty, so as to have a moral worth. Hence, there have at all times been philosophers who have altogether denied that this disposition actually exists at all in human actions, and have ascribed everything to a more or less refined self-love. They spoke with sincere regret of the frailty and corruption of human nature, which, though noble enough to take its rule an idea so worthy of respect, is yet weak to follow it.
Sometimes it happens that with the sharpest self-examination we can find nothing beside the moral principle of duty which could have been powerful enough to move us to this or that action and to so great a sacrifice; yet we cannot from this infer with certainty that it was not really some secret impulse of self-love, under the false appearance of duty, that was the actual determining cause of the will. We like them to flatter ourselves by falsely taking credit for a more noble motive; whereas in fact we can never, even by the strictest examination, get completely behind the secret springs of action; since, when the question is of moral worth, it is not with the actions which we see that we are concerned, but with those inward principles of them which we do not see.
Moreover, we cannot better serve the wishes of those who ridicule all morality as a mere chimera of human imagination over stepping itself from vanity, than by conceding to them that notions of duty must be drawn only from experience (as from indolence, people are ready to think is also the case with all other notions); for it is to prepare for them a certain triumph. I am willing to admit out of love of humanity that even most of our actions are correct, but if we look closer at them we everywhere come upon the dear self which is always prominent, and it is this they have in view and not the strict command of duty which would often require self- denial. Without being an enemy of virtue, a cool observer, one that does not mistake the wish for good, however lively, for its reality, may sometimes doubt whether true virtue is actually found anywhere in the world, and this especially as years increase and the judgement is partly made wiser by experience and partly, also, more acute in observation.
This being so, nothing can secure us from falling away altogether from our ideas of duty, or maintain in the soul a well-grounded respect for its law, but the clear conviction that although there should never have been actions which really sprang from such pure sources, yet whether this or that takes place is not at all the question; but that reason of itself, independent on all experience, ordains what ought to take place, that accordingly actions of which perhaps the world has hitherto never given an example, the feasibility even of which might be very much doubted by one who founds everything on experience, are nevertheless inflexibly commanded by reason; that, e.g., even though there might never yet have been a sincere friend, yet not a whit the less is pure sincerity in friendship required of every man, because, prior to all experience, this duty is involved as duty in the idea of a reason determining the will by a priori principles.

 

Q. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 27 - Question 30

Option 1 is incorrect because of the word few. According to the passage men commit no virtuous acts out of moral obligation or a sense of duty.
The following lines from the passage, “...when the question is of moral worth, it is not with the actions which we see that we are concerned, but with those inward principles of them which we do not see”, contradict option 2.
This leaves us to choose between options 3 and 4. While the author probably does not agree with the notion mentioned in option 3, there is much stronger evidence for option 4 from “....may sometimes doubt whether true virtue is actually found anywhere in the world, and this especially as years increase and the judgement is partly made wiser by experience and partly, also, more acute in observation.” Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

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