CAT 2022 Question Paper | CAT VA CAT Question Paper | CAT Previous Year Paper
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 1.
The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer:
Some company leaders are basing their decisions on locating offices to foster innovation and growth, as their best-performing inventors suffered the greatest productivity losses when their commutes grew longer.
Shorter commutes support innovation by giving employees more time in the office and greater opportunities for in-person collaboration, while removing the physical strain of a long commute.
This is not always the case: remote work does not automatically lead to greater creativity and productivity as office water-cooler conversations are also very important for innovation.
Some see the link between long commutes and productivity as support for work-from-home scenarios, as many workers have grown accustomed to their commute-free arrangements during the pandemic
Explanation :
Sentence 2 introduces the topic by stating that shorter commutes support innovation by providing employees more time in the office and better opportunities for in-person collaboration. It highlights the positive impact of shorter commutes on workplace productivity and innovation. Sentence 1 follows naturally, supporting the statement made in sentence 2. It mentions that some company leaders are making decisions on office locations based on fostering innovation and growth, considering the impact of longer commutes on their best-performing inventors' productivity losses. Sentence 4 provides an alternative perspective. It suggests that the link between long commutes and productivity supports work-from-home scenarios, especially since many workers have grown accustomed to their commute-free arrangements during the pandemic. Sentence 3 offers a counterpoint to the idea of remote work leading to greater creativity and productivity. It states that office water-cooler conversations are also important for innovation, implying that remote work does not automatically guarantee better results in terms of creativity and productivity. In summary, the paragraph discusses the impact of commutes on workplace innovation and productivity, considering both shorter commutes' benefits and the link between long commutes and productivity losses. It also introduces the idea of work-from-home scenarios and the significance of office interactions. Thus, the correct sequence is 2, 1, 4, 3.
Answer: 2143.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 2.
The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer:
The creative element in product design has become of paramount importance as it is one of the few ways a firm or industry can sustain a competitive advantage over its rivals.
In fact, the creative element in the value of world industry would be larger still, if we added the contribution of the creative element in other industries, such as the design of tech accessories.
The creative industry is receiving a lot of attention today as its growth rate is faster than that of the world economy as a whole.
It is for this reason that today’s trade issues are increasingly involving intellectual property, as Western countries have an interest in protecting their revenues along with freeing trade in non-tangibles.
Explanation :
A cursory reading of the statements gives us the idea that all statements focus on the topic of the 'creative element'. Statement 3 serves as the introductory sentence as it highlights the importance given to the creative industry from the economic perspective. Statement 2 extends the same idea of the essence of creative elements in various industries.
Statement 1 serves as an application of statement 2, it highlights the significance of product design in the tech industry. Statement 4 logically concludes the sequence, it elaborates on the idea of competitive advantage discussed in the previous sentence.
Hence, the correct sequence is 3214.
Answer: 3214.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 3.
There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: Easing the anxiety and pressure of having a “big day” is part of the appeal for many couples who marry in secret.
Paragraph: Wedding season is upon us and – after two years of Covid chaos that saw nuptials scaled back– you may think the temptation would be to go all out. ___(1)___. But instead of expanding the guest list, many couples are opting to have entirely secret ceremonies. With Covid case numbers remaining high and the cost of living crisis meaning that many couples are feeling the pinch, it’s no wonder that some are less than eager to send out invites. ___(2)___. Plus, it can’t hurt that in celebrity circles getting married in secret is all the rage. ___(3)___. “I would definitely say that secret weddings are becoming more common,” says Landis Bejar, the founder of a therapy practice, which specialises in helping brides and grooms manage wedding stress. “People are looking for ways to get out of the spotlight and avoid the pomp and circumstance of weddings. ___(4)___. They just want to get to the part where they are married.”
A).
Option 1
B).
Option 2
C).
Option 3
D).
Option 4
Explanation :
The given sentence, "Easing the anxiety and pressure of having a 'big day' is part of the appeal for many couples who marry in secret," fits best in Option 2. The first blank sets the context for discussing the trend of secret weddings and how couples are opting for them instead of extravagant ceremonies. The given sentence, placed in Option 2, elaborates on the appeal of secret weddings, which is to ease the anxiety and pressure associated with a large, public event like a traditional wedding. It explains why some couples choose to keep their wedding private and avoid the stress and expectations that come with a grand celebration. The other options don't fit as well in this context. Option 1 doesn't directly relate to the appeal of secret weddings, Option 3 mentions celebrity circles without addressing the appeal, and Option 4 talks about people who just want to be married without considering the reasons behind secret weddings. Therefore, Option 2 is the most appropriate placement for the given sentence in the paragraph.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 4.
There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: Having made citizens more and less knowledgeable than their predecessors, the Internet has proved to be both a blessing and a curse.
Paragraph: Never before has a population, nearly all of whom has enjoyed at a least a secondary school education, been exposed to so much information, whether in newspapers and magazines or through YouTube, Google, and Facebook. ___(1)___. Yet it is not clear that people today are more knowledgeable than their barely literate predecessors. Contemporary advances in technology offered more serious and inquisitive students access to realms of knowledge previously unimaginable and unavailable. ___(2)___. But such readily available knowledge leads many more students away from serious study, the reading of actual texts, and toward an inability to write effectively and grammatically. ___(3)___. It has let people choose sources that reinforce their opinions rather than encouraging them to question inherited beliefs.___(4)___.
A).
Option 1
B).
Option 2
C).
Option 3
D).
Option 4
Explanation :
The given sentence, "Having made citizens more and less knowledgeable than their predecessors, the Internet has proved to be both a blessing and a curse," fits best in Option 4. The paragraph discusses the impact of the Internet on people's knowledge and education. The first blank sets the context for this discussion, mentioning how the Internet has exposed the population to an abundance of information. The given sentence, placed in Option 4, follows this context and introduces the idea that the Internet has made citizens both more and less knowledgeable than their predecessors. This sentence highlights the dual nature of the Internet's impact, acting as both a blessing and a curse depending on how individuals use it. The other options don't fit as well in this context. Option 1 doesn't elaborate on the Internet's impact on knowledge, Option 2 talks about advances in technology without addressing the knowledge aspect, and Option 3 mentions readily available knowledge but doesn't address the impact on citizens' knowledge in comparison to their predecessors. Therefore, Option 4 is the most appropriate placement for the given sentence in the paragraph
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 5.
The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
It’s not that modern historians of medieval Africa have been ignorant about contacts between Ethiopia and Europe; they just had the power dynamic reversed. The traditional narrative stressed Ethiopia as weak and in trouble in the face of aggression from external forces, so Ethiopia sought military assistance from their fellow Christians to the north. But the real story, buried in plain sight in medieval diplomatic texts, simply had not yet been put together by modern scholars. Recent research pushes scholars of medieval Europe to imagine a much more richly connected medieval world: at the beginning of the so-called Age of Exploration, there is evidence that the kings of Ethiopia were sponsoring their own missions of diplomacy, faith and commerce
A).
Medieval historical sources selectively promoted the narrative that powerful European forces were called on to protect weak African civilisations such as Ethiopia, but this is far from reality.
B).
Medieval texts have been ‘cherry-picked’ to promote a view of Ethiopia as weak and in need of Europe’s military help with aggressive neighbours, but recent studies reveal it was a well-connected and outward-looking culture.
C).
Medieval texts have documented how strong connections between the Christian communities of Ethiopia and Europe were invaluable in establishing military and trade links between the two civilisations.
D).
Historians were under the illusion that Ethiopia needed military protection from their neighbours, but in fact the country had close commercial and religious connections with them.
Explanation :
Key Ideas: • The passage discusses the reversal of the power dynamic in modern historians' perception of contacts between Ethiopia and Europe. • It mentions that the traditional narrative presented Ethiopia as weak and seeking military assistance from Europe. • The real story, revealed in medieval diplomatic texts, shows Ethiopia's active role in diplomacy, faith, and commerce. • Recent research reveals that Ethiopia was a well-connected and outward-looking culture.
Option 1 is incorrect. While it mentions the selective promotion of a narrative about European forces protecting weak African civilizations, it does not fully encompass the main idea of the passage, which is about the reversal of the power dynamic and Ethiopia's active role in diplomacy and commerce.
Option 2 best captures the essence of the passage by highlighting how medieval texts were selectively used to present Ethiopia as weak and in need of Europe's military help, while recent studies reveal a well-connected and outward-looking Ethiopian culture.
Option 3 is incorrect. While it mentions strong connections between Christian communities in Ethiopia and Europe, it does not address the main focus of the passage, which is the reversal of the power dynamic and Ethiopia's active role in diplomacy and commerce.
Option 4 is incorrect. This option focuses on the illusion of Ethiopia needing military protection, which is not the primary concern of the passage. It does not discuss the recent research or the power dynamic reversal.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 6.
The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Petitioning is an expeditious democratic tradition, used frequently in prior centuries, by which citizens can bring issues directly to governments. As expressions of collective voice, they support procedural democracy by shaping agendas. They can also recruit citizens to causes, give voice to the voteless, and apply the discipline of rhetorical argument that clarifies a point of view. By contrast, elections are limited in several respects: they involve only a few candidates, and thus fall far short of a representative democracy. Further, voters’ choices are not specific to particular policies or laws, and elections are episodic, where as the voice of the people needs to be heard and integrated constantly into democratic government.
A).
Citizens become less inclined to petitioning as it enables vocal citizens to shape political agendas, but this needs to change to strengthen democracies today.
B).
Petitioning has been important to democratic functioning, as it supplements the electoral process by enabling ongoing engagement with the government.
C).
Petitioning is definitely more representative of the collective voice, and the functioning of democratic government could improve if we relied more on petitioning rather than holding periodic elections.
D).
By giving citizens greater control over shaping political and democratic agendas, political petitions are invaluable as they represent an ideal form of a representative democracy.
Explanation :
Key Ideas: • The passage discusses the significance of petitioning as a democratic tradition. • Petitioning allows citizens to bring issues directly to governments and express their collective voice, shaping agendas and recruiting citizens to causes. • Elections are limited in representing a true democratic voice as they involve only a few candidates and are episodic.
Option 1 is incorrect. This option focuses on citizens becoming less inclined to petitioning, which is not the primary concern of the passage. It does not fully address the benefits of petitioning over elections.
Option 2 best captures the essence of the passage by highlighting the importance of petitioning to democratic functioning, how it supports procedural democracy, shapes agendas, and engages citizens in ongoing interaction with the government. It contrasts petitioning with the limitations of elections.
Option 3 is incorrect. While it highlights petitioning as more representative of the collective voice, it does not fully capture the main idea of the passage, which is about the significance of petitioning and its role in democratic functioning alongside elections.
Option 4 is incorrect. While it mentions giving citizens greater control over shaping political agendas, it does not fully encompass the main idea of the passage, which is about the significance of petitioning and its advantages over elections.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 7.
The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) given below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequence of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.
Fish skin collagen has excellent thermo-stability and tensile strength making it ideal for use as bandage that adheres to the skin and adjusts to body movements.
Collagen, one of the main structural proteins in connective tissues in the human body, is well known for promoting skin regeneration.
Fish skin swims in here as diseases and bacteria that affect fish are different from most human pathogens.
The risk of introducing disease agents into other species through the use of pig and cow collagen proteins for wound healing has inhibited its broader applications in the medical field
Explanation :
Sentence 2 introduces the topic by providing information about collagen, a structural protein in the human body known for promoting skin regeneration. This sets the context for discussing collagen's potential use in wound healing. Sentence 4 follows naturally, presenting a problem with using pig and cow collagen proteins for wound healing. The risk of introducing disease agents into other species has limited the broader applications of these types of collagen in the medical field. Sentence 3 introduces an alternative solution, suggesting that fish skin collagen could be used instead because diseases and bacteria affecting fish differ from most human pathogens. This implies that fish skin collagen may be safer for wound healing applications. Sentence 1 concludes the paragraph by explaining the advantages of fish skin collagen. Its excellent thermo-stability and tensile strength make it ideal for use as a bandage that adheres to the skin and adjusts to body movements, enhancing its effectiveness in wound healing. In summary, the paragraph discusses collagen's potential use in wound healing, introduces a problem with using certain types of collagen, suggests an alternative solution using fish skin collagen, and concludes by emphasizing the benefits of fish skin collagen for bandages. Thus, the correct sequence is 2431.
Answer 2431.
Questions 17 to 24 carry 3 marks each.
Q. 8.
The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
All that we think we know about how life hangs together is really some kind of illusion that we have perpetrated on ourselves because of our limited vision. What appear to be inanimate objects such as stones turn out not only to be alive in the same way that we are, but also in many infinitesimal ways to be affected by stimuli just as humans are. The distinction between animate and inanimate simply cannot be made when you enter the world of quantum mechanics and try to determine how those apparent subatomic particles, of which you and everything else in our universe is composed, are all tied together. The point is that physics and metaphysics show there is a pattern to the universe that goes beyond our capacity to grasp it with our brains.
A).
Quantum physics indicates that an astigmatic view of reality results in erroneous assumptions about the universe.
B).
The effect of stimuli is similar in inanimate objects when compared to animate objects or living beings.
C).
Arbitrary distinctions between inanimate and animate objects disappear at the scale at which quantum mechanics works.
D).
The inanimate world is both sentient and cognizant like its animate counterpart.
Explanation :
Key Ideas: • The passage discusses the illusion of understanding life and reality due to our limited vision. • It reveals that what appears inanimate, such as stones, exhibits life-like qualities and is affected by stimuli like humans. • The distinction between animate and inanimate breaks down in the realm of quantum mechanics. • The universe has a pattern beyond human comprehension, as shown by physics and metaphysics.
Option 1 is incorrect. While it mentions "quantum physics" and "erroneous assumptions about the universe," it does not capture the central idea that our understanding of reality is an illusion due to our limited vision, which is the main focus of the passage. Option 2 is incorrect. Although it mentions the similarity of stimuli's effect on inanimate and animate objects, it does not cover the broader concept of our illusionary understanding of life and the breakdown of the distinction between animate and inanimate in quantum mechanics. Option 3 summary best captures the essence of the passage by highlighting the central idea that the arbitrary distinction between animate and inanimate disappears in the realm of quantum mechanics. Option 4 is incorrect. This option mentions that the inanimate world is sentient and cognizant like the animate world, which is not directly supported by the text. The text states that inanimate objects appear to be alive in certain ways, but it does not explicitly claim that they are sentient and cognizant.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Directions for questions 13 to 16:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 13 to 16 carry 3 marks each.
Critical theory of technology is a political theory of modernity with a normative dimension. It belongs to a tradition extending from Marx to Foucault and Habermas according to which advances in the formal claims of human rights take center stage while in the background centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposes an authoritarian social order.
Marx attributed this trajectory to the capitalist rationalization of production. Today it marks many institutions besides the factory and every modern political system, including so-called socialist systems. This trajectory arose from the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force; but everywhere [that] masses are organized – whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere – the same pattern prevails. Technological design and development is shaped by this pattern as the material base of a distinctive social order. Marcuse would later point to a “project” as the basis of what he called rather confusingly “technological rationality.” Releasing technology from this project is a democratic political task.
In accordance with this general line of thought, critical theory of technology regards technologies as an environment rather than as a collection of tools. We live today with andeven within technologies that determine our way of life. Along with the constant pressures tobuild centers of power, many other social values and meanings are inscribed in technological design. A hermeneutics of technology must make explicit the meanings implicit in the deviceswe use and the rituals they script. Social histories of technologies such as the bicycle,artificial lighting or firearms have made important contributions to this type of analysis. Critical theory of technology attempts to build a methodological approach on the lessons of these histories.
As an environment, technologies shape their inhabitants. In this respect, they are comparable to laws and customs. Each of these institutions can be said to represent those who live under their sway through privileging certain dimensions of their human nature. Laws of property represent the interest in ownership and control. Customs such as parental authority represent the interest of childhood in safety and growth. Similarly, the automobile represents its users in so far as they are interested in mobility. Interests such as these constitute the version of human nature sanctioned by society.
This notion of representation does not imply an eternal human nature. The concept of natureas non-identity in the Frankfurt School suggests an alternative. On these terms, nature is what lies at the limit of history, at the point at which society loses the capacity to imprint its meanings on things and control them effectively. The reference here is, of course, not to the nature of natural science, but to the lived nature in which we find ourselves and which we are.This nature reveals it self as that which cannot be totally encompassed by the machinery of society. For the Frankfurt School, human nature, in all its transcending force, emerges out ofa historical context as that context is [depicted] in illicit joys, struggles and pathologies. Wecan perhaps admit a less romantic . . . conception in which those dimensions of humannature recognized by society are also granted theoretical legitimacy.
Q. 9.
Which one of the following statements could be inferred as supporting the arguments of the passage ?
A).
The romantic conception of nature referred to by the passage is the one that requires theoretical legitimacy.
B).
Nature decides the point at which society loses its capacity to control history.
C).
It is not human nature, but human culture that is represented by institutions such as law and custom.
D).
Technologies form the environmental context and shape the contours of human society.
Explanation :
Option 1 suggests that the romantic conception of nature referred to in the passage is the one that requires theoretical legitimacy. However, the passage does not explicitly discuss the need for theoretical legitimacy in relation to the concept of nature. The passage discusses different conceptions of human nature and how society imposes meanings on it, but it does not focus on the concept of a "romantic conception of nature."
Option 2 is incorrect. While the passage mentions nature in the context of the Frankfurt School, it does not attribute the decision about when society loses control to nature. This statement goes beyond the scope of the passage.
Option 3 is incorrect. While the passage does discuss the representation of human interests through technologies, laws, and customs, it doesn't make a clear distinction between culture and nature in the way that this statement implies. The passage focuses more on how institutions represent the interests of those who live under their influence.
Option 4 aligns with the main argument of the passage. The passage discusses how technologies form an environment that shapes human society, influencing the way people live and the values embedded in technological design. It emphasizes that technologies should be seen as an environment, not just as tools, and that they have a significant impact on society. This statement accurately reflects the central argument of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Directions for questions 13 to 16:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 13 to 16 carry 3 marks each.
Critical theory of technology is a political theory of modernity with a normative dimension. It belongs to a tradition extending from Marx to Foucault and Habermas according to which advances in the formal claims of human rights take center stage while in the background centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposes an authoritarian social order.
Marx attributed this trajectory to the capitalist rationalization of production. Today it marks many institutions besides the factory and every modern political system, including so-called socialist systems. This trajectory arose from the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force; but everywhere [that] masses are organized – whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere – the same pattern prevails. Technological design and development is shaped by this pattern as the material base of a distinctive social order. Marcuse would later point to a “project” as the basis of what he called rather confusingly “technological rationality.” Releasing technology from this project is a democratic political task.
In accordance with this general line of thought, critical theory of technology regards technologies as an environment rather than as a collection of tools. We live today with andeven within technologies that determine our way of life. Along with the constant pressures tobuild centers of power, many other social values and meanings are inscribed in technological design. A hermeneutics of technology must make explicit the meanings implicit in the deviceswe use and the rituals they script. Social histories of technologies such as the bicycle,artificial lighting or firearms have made important contributions to this type of analysis. Critical theory of technology attempts to build a methodological approach on the lessons of these histories.
As an environment, technologies shape their inhabitants. In this respect, they are comparable to laws and customs. Each of these institutions can be said to represent those who live under their sway through privileging certain dimensions of their human nature. Laws of property represent the interest in ownership and control. Customs such as parental authority represent the interest of childhood in safety and growth. Similarly, the automobile represents its users in so far as they are interested in mobility. Interests such as these constitute the version of human nature sanctioned by society.
This notion of representation does not imply an eternal human nature. The concept of natureas non-identity in the Frankfurt School suggests an alternative. On these terms, nature is what lies at the limit of history, at the point at which society loses the capacity to imprint its meanings on things and control them effectively. The reference here is, of course, not to the nature of natural science, but to the lived nature in which we find ourselves and which we are.This nature reveals it self as that which cannot be totally encompassed by the machinery of society. For the Frankfurt School, human nature, in all its transcending force, emerges out ofa historical context as that context is [depicted] in illicit joys, struggles and pathologies. Wecan perhaps admit a less romantic . . . conception in which those dimensions of humannature recognized by society are also granted theoretical legitimacy.
Q. 10.
Which one of the following statements contradicts the arguments of the passage ?
A).
Marx’s understanding of the capitalist rationalisation of production and Marcuse’s understanding of a “project” of “technological rationality” share theoretical inclinations.
B).
The problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labour force gave rise to similar patterns of the capitalist rationalisation of production wherever masses were organised.
C).
Paradoxically, the capitalist rationalisation of production is a mark of so-called socialist systems as well.
D).
Masses are organised in patterns set by Foucault’s prisons and Habermas’ public sphere.
Explanation :
Option 1 does not contradict because Marcuse would later point to a “project” as the basis of what he called rather confusingly “technological rationality.” Option 2 does not contradict because the passage states that the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force gave rise to similar patterns of the capitalist rationalization of production wherever masses were organized. Option 3 does not contradict because the passage states that Marx attributed the trajectory of centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposing an authoritarian social order to the capitalist rationalization of production, which today marks many institutions besides the factory and every modern political system, including so-called socialist systems. Option 4 contradicts the arguments of the passage. The passage states that the same pattern of centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposing an authoritarian social order prevails everywhere that masses are organized, whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere. However, this does not mean that masses are organized in patterns set by Foucault’s prisons and Habermas’ public sphere.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Directions for questions 13 to 16:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 13 to 16 carry 3 marks each.
Critical theory of technology is a political theory of modernity with a normative dimension. It belongs to a tradition extending from Marx to Foucault and Habermas according to which advances in the formal claims of human rights take center stage while in the background centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposes an authoritarian social order.
Marx attributed this trajectory to the capitalist rationalization of production. Today it marks many institutions besides the factory and every modern political system, including so-called socialist systems. This trajectory arose from the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force; but everywhere [that] masses are organized – whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere – the same pattern prevails. Technological design and development is shaped by this pattern as the material base of a distinctive social order. Marcuse would later point to a “project” as the basis of what he called rather confusingly “technological rationality.” Releasing technology from this project is a democratic political task.
In accordance with this general line of thought, critical theory of technology regards technologies as an environment rather than as a collection of tools. We live today with andeven within technologies that determine our way of life. Along with the constant pressures tobuild centers of power, many other social values and meanings are inscribed in technological design. A hermeneutics of technology must make explicit the meanings implicit in the deviceswe use and the rituals they script. Social histories of technologies such as the bicycle,artificial lighting or firearms have made important contributions to this type of analysis. Critical theory of technology attempts to build a methodological approach on the lessons of these histories.
As an environment, technologies shape their inhabitants. In this respect, they are comparable to laws and customs. Each of these institutions can be said to represent those who live under their sway through privileging certain dimensions of their human nature. Laws of property represent the interest in ownership and control. Customs such as parental authority represent the interest of childhood in safety and growth. Similarly, the automobile represents its users in so far as they are interested in mobility. Interests such as these constitute the version of human nature sanctioned by society.
This notion of representation does not imply an eternal human nature. The concept of natureas non-identity in the Frankfurt School suggests an alternative. On these terms, nature is what lies at the limit of history, at the point at which society loses the capacity to imprint its meanings on things and control them effectively. The reference here is, of course, not to the nature of natural science, but to the lived nature in which we find ourselves and which we are.This nature reveals it self as that which cannot be totally encompassed by the machinery of society. For the Frankfurt School, human nature, in all its transcending force, emerges out ofa historical context as that context is [depicted] in illicit joys, struggles and pathologies. Wecan perhaps admit a less romantic . . . conception in which those dimensions of humannature recognized by society are also granted theoretical legitimacy.
Q. 11.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the main argument of the fourth paragraph of the passage?
A).
Technology, laws, and customs are not unlike each other if considered as institutions.
B).
Technology, laws, and customs are comparable, but dissimilar phenomena.
C).
Technological environments privilege certain dimensions of human nature as effectively as laws and customs.
D).
Automobiles represent the interest in mobility present in human nature.
Explanation :
The main argument of the fourth paragraph is about the comparison and similarity between technology, laws, and customs as institutions.
Option 1 accurately reflects the main argument in the fourth paragraph, which discusses how technology, laws, and customs can be seen as institutions, and the paragraph goes on to compare them in terms of representing certain dimensions of human nature.
Option 2 is incorrect. While this statement acknowledges that they are comparable, it does not capture the key argument in the paragraph, which is that they are not unlike each other when considered as institutions.
Option 3 is not the main argument of the fourth paragraph. While it does mention the privilege of certain dimensions of human nature, it doesn't focus on the comparison between technology, laws, and customs as institutions.
Option 4 is too specific and focuses solely on automobiles, while the paragraph is about a broader comparison between technology, laws, and customs. It doesn't capture the main argument of the paragraph.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Directions for questions 13 to 16:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 13 to 16 carry 3 marks each.
Critical theory of technology is a political theory of modernity with a normative dimension. It belongs to a tradition extending from Marx to Foucault and Habermas according to which advances in the formal claims of human rights take center stage while in the background centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposes an authoritarian social order.
Marx attributed this trajectory to the capitalist rationalization of production. Today it marks many institutions besides the factory and every modern political system, including so-called socialist systems. This trajectory arose from the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force; but everywhere [that] masses are organized – whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere – the same pattern prevails. Technological design and development is shaped by this pattern as the material base of a distinctive social order. Marcuse would later point to a “project” as the basis of what he called rather confusingly “technological rationality.” Releasing technology from this project is a democratic political task.
In accordance with this general line of thought, critical theory of technology regards technologies as an environment rather than as a collection of tools. We live today with andeven within technologies that determine our way of life. Along with the constant pressures tobuild centers of power, many other social values and meanings are inscribed in technological design. A hermeneutics of technology must make explicit the meanings implicit in the deviceswe use and the rituals they script. Social histories of technologies such as the bicycle,artificial lighting or firearms have made important contributions to this type of analysis. Critical theory of technology attempts to build a methodological approach on the lessons of these histories.
As an environment, technologies shape their inhabitants. In this respect, they are comparable to laws and customs. Each of these institutions can be said to represent those who live under their sway through privileging certain dimensions of their human nature. Laws of property represent the interest in ownership and control. Customs such as parental authority represent the interest of childhood in safety and growth. Similarly, the automobile represents its users in so far as they are interested in mobility. Interests such as these constitute the version of human nature sanctioned by society.
This notion of representation does not imply an eternal human nature. The concept of natureas non-identity in the Frankfurt School suggests an alternative. On these terms, nature is what lies at the limit of history, at the point at which society loses the capacity to imprint its meanings on things and control them effectively. The reference here is, of course, not to the nature of natural science, but to the lived nature in which we find ourselves and which we are.This nature reveals it self as that which cannot be totally encompassed by the machinery of society. For the Frankfurt School, human nature, in all its transcending force, emerges out ofa historical context as that context is [depicted] in illicit joys, struggles and pathologies. Wecan perhaps admit a less romantic . . . conception in which those dimensions of humannature recognized by society are also granted theoretical legitimacy.
Q. 12.
All of the following claims can be inferred from the passage, EXCEPT:
A).
the critical theory of technology argues that, as issues of human rights become more prominent, we lose sight of the ways in which the social order becomes more authoritarian.
B).
technologies seek to privilege certain dimensions of human nature at a high cost to lived nature.
C).
analyses of technologies must engage with their social histories to be able to reveal their implicit and explicit meanings for us.
D).
the significance of parental authority to children’s safety does not therefore imply that parental authority is a permanent aspect of human nature.
Explanation :
Option 1 is directly supported by the passage. The passage explicitly states that the critical theory of technology argues that as issues of human rights become more prominent, we lose sight of the ways in which the social order becomes more authoritarian.
Option 2 is the correct choice. The passage discusses that technologies privilege certain dimensions of human nature, but it does not mention a "high cost to lived nature." This specific phrase is not found in the passage, so it cannot be directly inferred.
Option 3 is explicitly supported by the passage. The passage does mention that analyses of technologies must engage with their social histories to reveal their implicit and explicit meanings.
Option 4 can be inferred. The passage mentions the role of customs like parental authority in representing the interest of childhood in safety, but it doesn't explicitly state that this implies parental authority as a permanent aspect of human nature.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Directions for questions 9 to 12:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 9 to 12 carry 3 marks each.
Stories concerning the Undead have always been with us. From out of the primal darkness of Mankind’s earliest years, come whispers of eerie creatures, not quite alive (or alive in a way which we can understand), yet not quite dead either. These may have been ancient and primitive deities who dwelt deep in the surrounding forests and in remote places, or simply those deceased who refused to remain in their tombs and who wandered about the countryside, physically tormenting and frightening those who were still alive. Mostly they were ill-defined—strange sounds in the night beyond the comforting glow of the fire, or a shape,half-glimpsed in the twilight along the edge of an encampment. They were vague and indistinct, but they were always there with the power to terrify and disturb. They had the power to touch the minds of our early ancestors and to fill them with dread. Such fear formed the basis of the earliest tales although the source and exact nature of such terrors still remained very vague.
And as Mankind became more sophisticated, leaving the gloom of their caves and forming themselves into recognizable communities—towns, cities, whole cultures—so the Undead travelled with them, inhabiting their folklore just as they had in former times. Now they began to take on more definite shapes. They became walking cadavers; the physical embodiment of former deities and things which had existed alongside Man since the Creation. Some still remained vague and ill-defined but, as Mankind strove to explain the horror which it felt towards them, such creatures emerged more readily into the light.
In order to confirm their abnormal status, many of the Undead were often accorded attributes, which defied the natural order of things—the power to transform themselves into other shapes, the ability to sustain themselves by drinking human blood, and the ability to influence human minds across a distance. Such powers—described as supernatural—only [lent] an added dimension to the terror that humans felt regarding them.
And it was only natural, too, that the Undead should become connected with the practice of magic. From very early times, Shamans and witch doctors had claimed at least some power and control over the spirits of departed ancestors, and this has continued down into more“civilized” times. Formerly, the invisible spirits and forces that thronged around men’s earliest encampments, had spoken “through” the tribal Shamans but now, as entities in their own right, they were subject to magical control and could be physically summoned by a competent sorcerer. However, the relationship between the magician and an Undead creature was often a very tenuous and uncertain one. Some sorcerers might have even become Undead entities once they died, but they might also have been susceptible to the powers of other magicians when they did.
From the Middle Ages and into the Age of Enlightenment, theories of the Undead continued to grow and develop. Their names became more familiar—werewolf, vampire, ghoul—each one certain to strike fear into the hearts of ordinary humans.
Q. 13.
“In order to confirm their abnormal status, many of the Undead were often accorded attributes, which defied the natural order of things . . .” Which one of the following best expresses the claim made in this statement ?
A).
The Undead are deified in nature’s order by giving them divine attributes.
B).
The natural attributes of the Undead are rendered abnormal by changing their status.
C).
Human beings conceptualise the Undead as possessing abnormal features.
D).
According the Undead an abnormal status is to reject the natural order of things.
Explanation :
Option 1 is not the best expression of the claim made in the statement. The passage doesn't suggest that the Undead are deified or given divine attributes. It talks about attributing them supernatural powers but not necessarily equating them to deities.
Option 2 is not the best expression of the claim made in the statement. The statement doesn't discuss changing the status of the Undead to render their natural attributes abnormal. Instead, it talks about according them attributes that defy the natural order to confirm their abnormal status.
Option 3 aligns with the idea that the Undead are considered abnormal and are attributed with extraordinary features.
Option 4 is not the best expression of the claim made in the statement. The statement doesn't discuss the Undead rejecting the natural order of things. Instead, it emphasizes that their abnormal status is confirmed by attributing them with qualities that go against the regular laws of nature.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Directions for questions 9 to 12:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 9 to 12 carry 3 marks each.
Stories concerning the Undead have always been with us. From out of the primal darkness of Mankind’s earliest years, come whispers of eerie creatures, not quite alive (or alive in a way which we can understand), yet not quite dead either. These may have been ancient and primitive deities who dwelt deep in the surrounding forests and in remote places, or simply those deceased who refused to remain in their tombs and who wandered about the countryside, physically tormenting and frightening those who were still alive. Mostly they were ill-defined—strange sounds in the night beyond the comforting glow of the fire, or a shape,half-glimpsed in the twilight along the edge of an encampment. They were vague and indistinct, but they were always there with the power to terrify and disturb. They had the power to touch the minds of our early ancestors and to fill them with dread. Such fear formed the basis of the earliest tales although the source and exact nature of such terrors still remained very vague.
And as Mankind became more sophisticated, leaving the gloom of their caves and forming themselves into recognizable communities—towns, cities, whole cultures—so the Undead travelled with them, inhabiting their folklore just as they had in former times. Now they began to take on more definite shapes. They became walking cadavers; the physical embodiment of former deities and things which had existed alongside Man since the Creation. Some still remained vague and ill-defined but, as Mankind strove to explain the horror which it felt towards them, such creatures emerged more readily into the light.
In order to confirm their abnormal status, many of the Undead were often accorded attributes, which defied the natural order of things—the power to transform themselves into other shapes, the ability to sustain themselves by drinking human blood, and the ability to influence human minds across a distance. Such powers—described as supernatural—only [lent] an added dimension to the terror that humans felt regarding them.
And it was only natural, too, that the Undead should become connected with the practice of magic. From very early times, Shamans and witch doctors had claimed at least some power and control over the spirits of departed ancestors, and this has continued down into more“civilized” times. Formerly, the invisible spirits and forces that thronged around men’s earliest encampments, had spoken “through” the tribal Shamans but now, as entities in their own right, they were subject to magical control and could be physically summoned by a competent sorcerer. However, the relationship between the magician and an Undead creature was often a very tenuous and uncertain one. Some sorcerers might have even become Undead entities once they died, but they might also have been susceptible to the powers of other magicians when they did.
From the Middle Ages and into the Age of Enlightenment, theories of the Undead continued to grow and develop. Their names became more familiar—werewolf, vampire, ghoul—each one certain to strike fear into the hearts of ordinary humans.
Q. 14.
Which one of the following statements best describes what the passage is about ?
A).
The writer discusses the transition from primitive thinking to the Age of Enlightenment.
B).
The passage discusses the evolution of theories of the Undead from primitive thinking to the Age of Enlightenment.
C).
The passage describes the failure of human beings to fully comprehend their environment.
D).
The writer describes the ways in which the Undead come to be associated with Shamans and the practice of magic.
Explanation :
Option 1 is incorrect. It is not the best choice because although the passage mentions the transition of Mankind from primitive times to more sophisticated communities, the main focus is on the evolution of theories of the Undead during this transition rather than a broader discussion of Mankind's intellectual development.
Option 2 is correct because it accurately reflects the main theme and content of the passage. The passage traces the development of concepts related to the Undead, starting from early primitive beliefs to more defined notions in later periods, including the Middle Ages and the Age of Enlightenment.
Option 3 is not the best choice because the passage primarily focuses on the evolution of theories of the Undead and how they changed from ill-defined creatures to more specific beings with supernatural attributes. It does not directly address the failure of humans to comprehend their environment.
Option 4 is not the best choice because while the passage does mention the connection between the Undead and Shamans or witchdoctors in terms of magical practices, this is only one aspect of the larger discussion about the evolution of theories of the Undead over time.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Directions for questions 9 to 12:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 9 to 12 carry 3 marks each.
Stories concerning the Undead have always been with us. From out of the primal darkness of Mankind’s earliest years, come whispers of eerie creatures, not quite alive (or alive in a way which we can understand), yet not quite dead either. These may have been ancient and primitive deities who dwelt deep in the surrounding forests and in remote places, or simply those deceased who refused to remain in their tombs and who wandered about the countryside, physically tormenting and frightening those who were still alive. Mostly they were ill-defined—strange sounds in the night beyond the comforting glow of the fire, or a shape,half-glimpsed in the twilight along the edge of an encampment. They were vague and indistinct, but they were always there with the power to terrify and disturb. They had the power to touch the minds of our early ancestors and to fill them with dread. Such fear formed the basis of the earliest tales although the source and exact nature of such terrors still remained very vague.
And as Mankind became more sophisticated, leaving the gloom of their caves and forming themselves into recognizable communities—towns, cities, whole cultures—so the Undead travelled with them, inhabiting their folklore just as they had in former times. Now they began to take on more definite shapes. They became walking cadavers; the physical embodiment of former deities and things which had existed alongside Man since the Creation. Some still remained vague and ill-defined but, as Mankind strove to explain the horror which it felt towards them, such creatures emerged more readily into the light.
In order to confirm their abnormal status, many of the Undead were often accorded attributes, which defied the natural order of things—the power to transform themselves into other shapes, the ability to sustain themselves by drinking human blood, and the ability to influence human minds across a distance. Such powers—described as supernatural—only [lent] an added dimension to the terror that humans felt regarding them.
And it was only natural, too, that the Undead should become connected with the practice of magic. From very early times, Shamans and witch doctors had claimed at least some power and control over the spirits of departed ancestors, and this has continued down into more“civilized” times. Formerly, the invisible spirits and forces that thronged around men’s earliest encampments, had spoken “through” the tribal Shamans but now, as entities in their own right, they were subject to magical control and could be physically summoned by a competent sorcerer. However, the relationship between the magician and an Undead creature was often a very tenuous and uncertain one. Some sorcerers might have even become Undead entities once they died, but they might also have been susceptible to the powers of other magicians when they did.
From the Middle Ages and into the Age of Enlightenment, theories of the Undead continued to grow and develop. Their names became more familiar—werewolf, vampire, ghoul—each one certain to strike fear into the hearts of ordinary humans.
Q. 15.
All of the following statements, if false, could be seen as being in accordance with the passage, EXCEPT:
A).
the growing sophistication of Mankind meant that humans stopped believing in the Undead.
B).
the transition from the Middle Ages to the Age of Enlightenment saw new theories of the Undead.
C).
the relationship between Shamans and the Undead was believed to be a strong and stable one.
D).
the Undead remained vague and ill-defined, even as Mankind strove to understand the horror they inspired.
Explanation :
Option 1 is incorrect. The passage does not mention anything about humans completely stopping belief in the Undead due to growing sophistication. It discusses the evolution of theories and beliefs about the Undead over time, but it doesn't imply that belief in the Undead entirely disappeared with Mankind's sophistication.
Option 2 is correct. The passage mentions that from the Middle Ages to the Age of Enlightenment, theories of the Undead continued to grow and develop, which implies the emergence of new theories during that transition.
Option 3 is incorrect. The passage mentions that the relationship between the magician and an Undead creature was often a very tenuous and uncertain one, suggesting that it was not necessarily strong and stable.
Option 4 is incorrect. The passage describes how, as Mankind became more sophisticated, the Undead took on more definite shapes and attributes. So, they were not entirely vague and ill-defined as time passed.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Directions for questions 9 to 12:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 9 to 12 carry 3 marks each.
Stories concerning the Undead have always been with us. From out of the primal darkness of Mankind’s earliest years, come whispers of eerie creatures, not quite alive (or alive in a way which we can understand), yet not quite dead either. These may have been ancient and primitive deities who dwelt deep in the surrounding forests and in remote places, or simply those deceased who refused to remain in their tombs and who wandered about the countryside, physically tormenting and frightening those who were still alive. Mostly they were ill-defined—strange sounds in the night beyond the comforting glow of the fire, or a shape,half-glimpsed in the twilight along the edge of an encampment. They were vague and indistinct, but they were always there with the power to terrify and disturb. They had the power to touch the minds of our early ancestors and to fill them with dread. Such fear formed the basis of the earliest tales although the source and exact nature of such terrors still remained very vague.
And as Mankind became more sophisticated, leaving the gloom of their caves and forming themselves into recognizable communities—towns, cities, whole cultures—so the Undead travelled with them, inhabiting their folklore just as they had in former times. Now they began to take on more definite shapes. They became walking cadavers; the physical embodiment of former deities and things which had existed alongside Man since the Creation. Some still remained vague and ill-defined but, as Mankind strove to explain the horror which it felt towards them, such creatures emerged more readily into the light.
In order to confirm their abnormal status, many of the Undead were often accorded attributes, which defied the natural order of things—the power to transform themselves into other shapes, the ability to sustain themselves by drinking human blood, and the ability to influence human minds across a distance. Such powers—described as supernatural—only [lent] an added dimension to the terror that humans felt regarding them.
And it was only natural, too, that the Undead should become connected with the practice of magic. From very early times, Shamans and witch doctors had claimed at least some power and control over the spirits of departed ancestors, and this has continued down into more“civilized” times. Formerly, the invisible spirits and forces that thronged around men’s earliest encampments, had spoken “through” the tribal Shamans but now, as entities in their own right, they were subject to magical control and could be physically summoned by a competent sorcerer. However, the relationship between the magician and an Undead creature was often a very tenuous and uncertain one. Some sorcerers might have even become Undead entities once they died, but they might also have been susceptible to the powers of other magicians when they did.
From the Middle Ages and into the Age of Enlightenment, theories of the Undead continued to grow and develop. Their names became more familiar—werewolf, vampire, ghoul—each one certain to strike fear into the hearts of ordinary humans.
Q. 16.
Which one of the following observations is a valid conclusion to draw from the statement, “From out of the primal darkness of Mankind’s earliest years, come whispers of eerie creatures, not quite alive (or alive in a way which we can understand), yet not quite dead either.”?
A).
We can understand the lives of the eerie creatures in Mankind’s early years through their whispers in the darkness.
B).
Long ago, eerie creatures used to whisper in the primal darkness that they were not quite dead.
C).
Mankind’s primal years were marked by creatures alive with eerie whispers, but seen only in the darkness.
D).
Mankind’s early years were marked by a belief in the existence of eerie creatures that were neither quite alive nor dead.
Explanation :
Option 1 is not a valid conclusion to draw from the statement. The statement mentions whispers of eerie creatures but does not imply that we can fully understand their lives through these whispers.
Option 2 is incorrect. The statement doesn't suggest that eerie creatures themselves whispered about their state of being. Instead, it talks about the existence of whispers about these eerie creatures.
Option 3 is not a valid conclusion to draw from the statement. The statement doesn't indicate that the eerie creatures were only seen in darkness. It talks about whispers coming out of the primal darkness but doesn't specify that the creatures were limited to being seen only in darkness.
Option 4 is a valid conclusion to be drawn from the statement. The statement suggests that in Mankind's earliest years, there were whispers and beliefs about eerie creatures that did not fit the conventional definition of being alive or dead. It indicates that people in those times had a belief in the existence of such eerie creatures, which were not fully alive but also not entirely dead.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Directions for questions 5 to 8:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 5 to 8 carry 3 marks each
Stoicism was founded in 300 BC by the Greek philosopher Zeno and survived into the Roman era until about AD 300. According to the Stoics, emotions consist of two movements. The first movement is the immediate feeling and other reactions (e.g., physiological response) that occur when a stimulus or event occurs. For instance, consider what could have happened if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers. The first movement for Marcus may have been (internal) surprise and anger in response to this insult, accompanied perhaps by some involuntary physiological and expressive responses such as face flushing and a movement of the eyebrows. The second movement is what one does next about the emotion. Second movement behaviors occur after thinking and are under one’s control. Examples of second movements for Marcus might have included a plot to seek revenge, actions signifying deference and appeasement, or perhaps proceeding as he would have proceeded whether or not this event occurred: continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them. In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response.
The Stoics believed that to live the good life and be a good person, we need to free ourselves of nearly all desires such as too much desire for money, power, or sexual gratification. Prior to second movements, we can consider what is important in life. Money, power, and excessive sexual gratification are not important. Character, rationality, and kindness are important. The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits and not follow passion for those things that hold no real value like power and money. As Oatley (2004) states, “the Epicureans articulated a view—enjoyment of relationship with friends, of things that are real rather than illusory, simple rather than artificially inflated, possible rather than vanishingly unlikely—that is certainly relevant today” . . . In sum, these ancient Greek and Roman philosophers saw emotions, especially strong ones, as potentially dangerous. They viewed emotions as experiences that needed to be [reined] in and controlled.
As Oatley (2004) points out, the Stoic idea bears some similarity to Buddhism. Buddha, living in India in the 6th century BC, argued for cultivating a certain attitude that decreases the probability of (in Stoic terms) destructive second movements. Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value. Additionally, the Stoic idea of developing virtue in oneself, of becoming a good person, which the Stoics believed we could do because we have a touch of the divine, laid the foundation for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . . . As with Stoicism, tenets of these religions include controlling our emotions lest we engage in sinful behavior.
Q. 17.
Which one of the following statements, if false, could be seen as contradicting the facts/arguments in the passage?
A).
Despite practising meditation and cultivating the right attitude, emotions cannot ever be controlled.
B).
In the Epicurean view, indulging in simple pleasures is not desirable.
C).
The Greek philosopher Zeno survived into the Roman era until about AD 300.
D).
In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the first movement is an appropriate response to emotional situations.
Explanation :
We have to look for the option which, if true, will support the facts/arguments in the passage.
Option 1 if true will contradict the argument of the passage. According to the last paragraph, meditation and cultivating the right attitude can help one distance from emotions and control them.
Option 2 if true will support the argument of the passage. The passage mentions that "The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits” Thus, option 2 is validated.
Option 3 is incorrect as the first line of the passage talks about the 'philosophy of stoicism' and not the death of Zeno.
Option 4 if true will contradict the argument of the passage. The passage mentions that "In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response".
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Directions for questions 5 to 8:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 5 to 8 carry 3 marks each
Stoicism was founded in 300 BC by the Greek philosopher Zeno and survived into the Roman era until about AD 300. According to the Stoics, emotions consist of two movements. The first movement is the immediate feeling and other reactions (e.g., physiological response) that occur when a stimulus or event occurs. For instance, consider what could have happened if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers. The first movement for Marcus may have been (internal) surprise and anger in response to this insult, accompanied perhaps by some involuntary physiological and expressive responses such as face flushing and a movement of the eyebrows. The second movement is what one does next about the emotion. Second movement behaviors occur after thinking and are under one’s control. Examples of second movements for Marcus might have included a plot to seek revenge, actions signifying deference and appeasement, or perhaps proceeding as he would have proceeded whether or not this event occurred: continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them. In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response.
The Stoics believed that to live the good life and be a good person, we need to free ourselves of nearly all desires such as too much desire for money, power, or sexual gratification. Prior to second movements, we can consider what is important in life. Money, power, and excessive sexual gratification are not important. Character, rationality, and kindness are important. The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits and not follow passion for those things that hold no real value like power and money. As Oatley (2004) states, “the Epicureans articulated a view—enjoyment of relationship with friends, of things that are real rather than illusory, simple rather than artificially inflated, possible rather than vanishingly unlikely—that is certainly relevant today” . . . In sum, these ancient Greek and Roman philosophers saw emotions, especially strong ones, as potentially dangerous. They viewed emotions as experiences that needed to be [reined] in and controlled.
As Oatley (2004) points out, the Stoic idea bears some similarity to Buddhism. Buddha, living in India in the 6th century BC, argued for cultivating a certain attitude that decreases the probability of (in Stoic terms) destructive second movements. Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value. Additionally, the Stoic idea of developing virtue in oneself, of becoming a good person, which the Stoics believed we could do because we have a touch of the divine, laid the foundation for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . . . As with Stoicism, tenets of these religions include controlling our emotions lest we engage in sinful behavior.
Q. 18.
Which one of the following statements would be an accurate inference from the example of Marcus Aurelius?
A).
Marcus Aurelius was humiliated by the accusation of treason in front of the other officers.
B).
Marcus Aurelius plotted revenge in his quest for justice.
C).
Marcus Aurelius was one of the leaders of the Roman army.
D).
Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic whose philosophy survived into the Roman era.
Explanation :
Options 1 and 2 present a hypothetical situation that 'could have happened'. The passage assumes these situations to be true and presents a possible consequence to them. Thus, we can eliminate these options as they are based on a hypothesis, not facts.
Option 4 can be eliminated as nowhere it is mentioned that Marcus Aurelius was a stoic.
Option 3 can be inferred from the following lines: "if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers. " and "continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them". Even if the hypothetical situations were not true, Marcus would have 'continued' to lead the Roman army.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Directions for questions 5 to 8:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 5 to 8 carry 3 marks each
Stoicism was founded in 300 BC by the Greek philosopher Zeno and survived into the Roman era until about AD 300. According to the Stoics, emotions consist of two movements. The first movement is the immediate feeling and other reactions (e.g., physiological response) that occur when a stimulus or event occurs. For instance, consider what could have happened if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers. The first movement for Marcus may have been (internal) surprise and anger in response to this insult, accompanied perhaps by some involuntary physiological and expressive responses such as face flushing and a movement of the eyebrows. The second movement is what one does next about the emotion. Second movement behaviors occur after thinking and are under one’s control. Examples of second movements for Marcus might have included a plot to seek revenge, actions signifying deference and appeasement, or perhaps proceeding as he would have proceeded whether or not this event occurred: continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them. In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response.
The Stoics believed that to live the good life and be a good person, we need to free ourselves of nearly all desires such as too much desire for money, power, or sexual gratification. Prior to second movements, we can consider what is important in life. Money, power, and excessive sexual gratification are not important. Character, rationality, and kindness are important. The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits and not follow passion for those things that hold no real value like power and money. As Oatley (2004) states, “the Epicureans articulated a view—enjoyment of relationship with friends, of things that are real rather than illusory, simple rather than artificially inflated, possible rather than vanishingly unlikely—that is certainly relevant today” . . . In sum, these ancient Greek and Roman philosophers saw emotions, especially strong ones, as potentially dangerous. They viewed emotions as experiences that needed to be [reined] in and controlled.
As Oatley (2004) points out, the Stoic idea bears some similarity to Buddhism. Buddha, living in India in the 6th century BC, argued for cultivating a certain attitude that decreases the probability of (in Stoic terms) destructive second movements. Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value. Additionally, the Stoic idea of developing virtue in oneself, of becoming a good person, which the Stoics believed we could do because we have a touch of the divine, laid the foundation for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . . . As with Stoicism, tenets of these religions include controlling our emotions lest we engage in sinful behavior.
Q. 19.
On the basis of the passage, which one of the following statements can be regarded as true?
A).
The Epicureans believed in controlling all emotions.
B).
There were no Stoics in India at the time of the Roman civilisation.
C).
The Stoics valorised the pursuit of money, power, and sexual gratification.
D).
The Stoic influences can be seen in multiple religions.
Explanation :
Option 1 is incorrect. Epicureans believed in enjoying simple pleasures without indulging in them. They did not believe in controlling all emotions.
Option 2 is out of the context of the passage, there is no information present to support this statement.
Option 3 is incorrect as it contradicts the Stoic philosophy.
Option 4 is true. From the last paragraph, we can infer that the stoic influences can be seen in multiple religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Directions for questions 5 to 8:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 5 to 8 carry 3 marks each
Stoicism was founded in 300 BC by the Greek philosopher Zeno and survived into the Roman era until about AD 300. According to the Stoics, emotions consist of two movements. The first movement is the immediate feeling and other reactions (e.g., physiological response) that occur when a stimulus or event occurs. For instance, consider what could have happened if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers. The first movement for Marcus may have been (internal) surprise and anger in response to this insult, accompanied perhaps by some involuntary physiological and expressive responses such as face flushing and a movement of the eyebrows. The second movement is what one does next about the emotion. Second movement behaviors occur after thinking and are under one’s control. Examples of second movements for Marcus might have included a plot to seek revenge, actions signifying deference and appeasement, or perhaps proceeding as he would have proceeded whether or not this event occurred: continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them. In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response.
The Stoics believed that to live the good life and be a good person, we need to free ourselves of nearly all desires such as too much desire for money, power, or sexual gratification. Prior to second movements, we can consider what is important in life. Money, power, and excessive sexual gratification are not important. Character, rationality, and kindness are important. The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits and not follow passion for those things that hold no real value like power and money. As Oatley (2004) states, “the Epicureans articulated a view—enjoyment of relationship with friends, of things that are real rather than illusory, simple rather than artificially inflated, possible rather than vanishingly unlikely—that is certainly relevant today” . . . In sum, these ancient Greek and Roman philosophers saw emotions, especially strong ones, as potentially dangerous. They viewed emotions as experiences that needed to be [reined] in and controlled.
As Oatley (2004) points out, the Stoic idea bears some similarity to Buddhism. Buddha, living in India in the 6th century BC, argued for cultivating a certain attitude that decreases the probability of (in Stoic terms) destructive second movements. Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value. Additionally, the Stoic idea of developing virtue in oneself, of becoming a good person, which the Stoics believed we could do because we have a touch of the divine, laid the foundation for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . . . As with Stoicism, tenets of these religions include controlling our emotions lest we engage in sinful behavior.
Q. 20.
“Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value.”
In the context of the passage, which one of the following is not a possible implication of the quoted statement?
A).
Emotional responses can make it difficult to distinguish valuable experiences from valueless experiences.
B).
Meditation allows certain out-of-body experiences that permit us to gain the distance necessary to control our emotions.
C).
The observation of emotions in a distant manner corresponds to the second movement referred to earlier in the passage.
D).
“Meditation and the right attitude”, in this instance, implies an initially passive reception of all experiences.
Explanation :
Option 1 is a valid implication as the lines explicitly mention that by distancing from emotions one can decide what has value and what does not have value.
Option 2 is incorrect as the lines refer to the 'emotions to happen to oneself'. Thus 'out-of-body' experiences as a result of meditation are out of the scope.
Option 3 is a valid implication as the passage mentions that "The second movement is what one does next about the emotion." Observing emotions in a distant manner, as described in the quote, would involve thinking and control and would therefore correspond to the second movement.
Option 4 is a valid implication as it is explicitly mentioned that through meditation and the right attitude one can allow emotions to 'happen to oneself' without even acting on them. Thus, one is a 'passive' receiver of experiences.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Directions for questions 1 to 4:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 1 to 4 carry 3 marks each.
The Chinese have two different concepts of a copy. Fangzhipin . . . are imitations where the difference from the original is obvious. These are small models or copies that can be purchased in a museum shop, for example. The second concept for a copy is fuzhipin . . .They are exact reproductions of the original, which, for the Chinese, are of equal value to the original. It has absolutely no negative connotations. The discrepancy with regard to the understanding of what a copy is has often led to misunderstandings and arguments between China and Western museums. The Chinese often send copies abroad instead of originals, in the firm belief that they are not essentially different from the originals. The rejection that then comes from the Western museums is perceived by the Chinese as an insult. . . .
The Far Eastern notion of identity is also very confusing to the Western observer. The Ise Grand Shrine [in Japan] is 1,300 years old for the millions of Japanese people who go there on pilgrimage every year. But in reality, this temple complex is completely rebuilt from scratch every 20 years. . . .
The cathedral of Freiburg Minster in southwest Germany is covered in scaffolding almost all year round. The sandstone from which it is built is a very soft, porous material that does not withstand natural erosion by rain and wind. After a while, it crumbles. As a result, the cathedral is continually being examined for damage, and eroded stones are replaced. And in the cathedral’s dedicated workshop, copies of the damaged sandstone figures are constantly being produced. Of course, attempts are made to preserve the stones from the Middle Ages for as long as possible. But at some point, they, too, are removed and replaced with new stones.
Fundamentally, this is the same operation as with the Japanese shrine, except in this case, the production of a replica takes place very slowly and over long periods of time. . . . In the field of art as well, the idea of an unassailable original developed historically in the Western world. Back in the 17th century [in the West], excavated artworks from antiquity were treated quite differently from today. They were not restored in a way that was faithful to the original. Instead, there was massive intervention in these works, changing their appearance. . . .
It is probably this intellectual position that explains why Asians have far fewer scruples about cloning than Europeans. The South Korean cloning researcher Hwang Woo-suk, who attracted worldwide attention with his cloning experiments in 2004, is a Buddhist. He found a great deal of support and followers among Buddhists, while Christians called for a ban on human cloning. . . . Hwang legitimized his cloning experiments with his religious affiliation: ‘I am Buddhist, and I have no philosophical problem with cloning. And as you know, the basis of Buddhism is that life is recycled through reincarnation. In some ways, I think, therapeutic cloning restarts the circle of life.’
Q. 21.
The value that the modern West assigns to “an unassailable original” has resulted in all of the following EXCEPT:
A).
it allows regular employment for certain craftsmen.
B).
it discourages them from making interventions in ancient art.
C).
it discourages them from carrying out human cloning.
D).
it discourages them from simultaneous displays of multiple copies of a painting.
Explanation :
Options 2 and 4 can be inferred from the passage as the Western philosophy assigns more value to the original and these originals are considered more valuable and authentic.
Option 1 can be inferred from the example of the cathedral of Freiburg Minster, where craftsmen are constantly employed to restore and preserve the ' unassailable original'.
Option 3 can't be inferred from the passage. Though the difference between the attitude towards cloning in Europe and Asia has been discussed in the passage, the passage does not directly mention that the value placed on an unassailable original has discouraged or influenced attitudes towards human cloning in the Western world.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Directions for questions 1 to 4:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 1 to 4 carry 3 marks each.
The Chinese have two different concepts of a copy. Fangzhipin . . . are imitations where the difference from the original is obvious. These are small models or copies that can be purchased in a museum shop, for example. The second concept for a copy is fuzhipin . . .They are exact reproductions of the original, which, for the Chinese, are of equal value to the original. It has absolutely no negative connotations. The discrepancy with regard to the understanding of what a copy is has often led to misunderstandings and arguments between China and Western museums. The Chinese often send copies abroad instead of originals, in the firm belief that they are not essentially different from the originals. The rejection that then comes from the Western museums is perceived by the Chinese as an insult. . . .
The Far Eastern notion of identity is also very confusing to the Western observer. The Ise Grand Shrine [in Japan] is 1,300 years old for the millions of Japanese people who go there on pilgrimage every year. But in reality, this temple complex is completely rebuilt from scratch every 20 years. . . .
The cathedral of Freiburg Minster in southwest Germany is covered in scaffolding almost all year round. The sandstone from which it is built is a very soft, porous material that does not withstand natural erosion by rain and wind. After a while, it crumbles. As a result, the cathedral is continually being examined for damage, and eroded stones are replaced. And in the cathedral’s dedicated workshop, copies of the damaged sandstone figures are constantly being produced. Of course, attempts are made to preserve the stones from the Middle Ages for as long as possible. But at some point, they, too, are removed and replaced with new stones.
Fundamentally, this is the same operation as with the Japanese shrine, except in this case, the production of a replica takes place very slowly and over long periods of time. . . . In the field of art as well, the idea of an unassailable original developed historically in the Western world. Back in the 17th century [in the West], excavated artworks from antiquity were treated quite differently from today. They were not restored in a way that was faithful to the original. Instead, there was massive intervention in these works, changing their appearance. . . .
It is probably this intellectual position that explains why Asians have far fewer scruples about cloning than Europeans. The South Korean cloning researcher Hwang Woo-suk, who attracted worldwide attention with his cloning experiments in 2004, is a Buddhist. He found a great deal of support and followers among Buddhists, while Christians called for a ban on human cloning. . . . Hwang legitimized his cloning experiments with his religious affiliation: ‘I am Buddhist, and I have no philosophical problem with cloning. And as you know, the basis of Buddhism is that life is recycled through reincarnation. In some ways, I think, therapeutic cloning restarts the circle of life.’
Q. 22.
Which one of the following scenarios is unlikely to follow from the arguments in the passage?
A).
A 17th-century French artist who adhered to a Christian worldview would need to be completely true to the original intent of a painting when restoring it.
B).
A 21st-century Christian scientist is likely to oppose cloning because of his philosophical orientation.
C).
A 21st-century Christian scientist is likely to oppose cloning because of his philosophical orientation.
D).
A 20th-century Japanese Buddhist monk would value a reconstructed shrine as the original.
Explanation :
The penultimate paragraph of the passage states that "Back in the 17th century [in the West], excavated artworks from antiquity were treated quite differently from today............ there was massive intervention in these works, changing their appearance. . . . " Option 3 supports the idea of intervention in artwork, thus it is likely to follow the argument.
Option 1 is unlikely to follow the argument of the passage as we can't say for sure that during the 17th century when there were massive interventions in art, someone would be 'completely true to the original intent'. Also, the role and the influence of 'religious believes' (during that period) can't be determined for sure.
Option 2 can be inferred from the last paragraph of the passage as the modern-day 'Christians called for a ban on human cloning.'
Option 4 follows the argument of the passage as a Japanese Buddhist monk would have no problem with restoration or cloning.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Directions for questions 1 to 4:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 1 to 4 carry 3 marks each.
The Chinese have two different concepts of a copy. Fangzhipin . . . are imitations where the difference from the original is obvious. These are small models or copies that can be purchased in a museum shop, for example. The second concept for a copy is fuzhipin . . .They are exact reproductions of the original, which, for the Chinese, are of equal value to the original. It has absolutely no negative connotations. The discrepancy with regard to the understanding of what a copy is has often led to misunderstandings and arguments between China and Western museums. The Chinese often send copies abroad instead of originals, in the firm belief that they are not essentially different from the originals. The rejection that then comes from the Western museums is perceived by the Chinese as an insult. . . .
The Far Eastern notion of identity is also very confusing to the Western observer. The Ise Grand Shrine [in Japan] is 1,300 years old for the millions of Japanese people who go there on pilgrimage every year. But in reality, this temple complex is completely rebuilt from scratch every 20 years. . . .
The cathedral of Freiburg Minster in southwest Germany is covered in scaffolding almost all year round. The sandstone from which it is built is a very soft, porous material that does not withstand natural erosion by rain and wind. After a while, it crumbles. As a result, the cathedral is continually being examined for damage, and eroded stones are replaced. And in the cathedral’s dedicated workshop, copies of the damaged sandstone figures are constantly being produced. Of course, attempts are made to preserve the stones from the Middle Ages for as long as possible. But at some point, they, too, are removed and replaced with new stones.
Fundamentally, this is the same operation as with the Japanese shrine, except in this case, the production of a replica takes place very slowly and over long periods of time. . . . In the field of art as well, the idea of an unassailable original developed historically in the Western world. Back in the 17th century [in the West], excavated artworks from antiquity were treated quite differently from today. They were not restored in a way that was faithful to the original. Instead, there was massive intervention in these works, changing their appearance. . . .
It is probably this intellectual position that explains why Asians have far fewer scruples about cloning than Europeans. The South Korean cloning researcher Hwang Woo-suk, who attracted worldwide attention with his cloning experiments in 2004, is a Buddhist. He found a great deal of support and followers among Buddhists, while Christians called for a ban on human cloning. . . . Hwang legitimized his cloning experiments with his religious affiliation: ‘I am Buddhist, and I have no philosophical problem with cloning. And as you know, the basis of Buddhism is that life is recycled through reincarnation. In some ways, I think, therapeutic cloning restarts the circle of life.’
Q. 23.
Based on the passage, which one of the following copies would a Chinese museum be unlikely to consider as having less value than the original?
A).
Pablo Picasso’s painting of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting, identical in every respect.
B).
Pablo Picasso’s photograph of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting, printed to exactly the same scale.
C).
Pablo Picasso’s miniaturised, but otherwise faithful and accurate painting of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting.
D).
Pablo Picasso’s painting of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting, bearing Picasso’s signature.
Explanation :
We have to look for an option that is in accordance with the definition of the Chinese concept of Fuzhipin. According to the passage, Fuzhipin is considered to be of equal value to the original and does not carry negative connotations. Option 1 is in accordance with this concept as it is an exact reproduction of the original and thus is likely to be considered equivalent to the original by the Chinese museum.
Options 2 and 3 can be eliminated as a photograph or a miniature is not an exact copy.
Option 4 can be eliminated as it is not mentioned that the painting is an 'exact reproduction of the original'. Also, the painting bears the signature of a different artist.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Directions for questions 1 to 4:
The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Questions 1 to 4 carry 3 marks each.
The Chinese have two different concepts of a copy. Fangzhipin . . . are imitations where the difference from the original is obvious. These are small models or copies that can be purchased in a museum shop, for example. The second concept for a copy is fuzhipin . . .They are exact reproductions of the original, which, for the Chinese, are of equal value to the original. It has absolutely no negative connotations. The discrepancy with regard to the understanding of what a copy is has often led to misunderstandings and arguments between China and Western museums. The Chinese often send copies abroad instead of originals, in the firm belief that they are not essentially different from the originals. The rejection that then comes from the Western museums is perceived by the Chinese as an insult. . . .
The Far Eastern notion of identity is also very confusing to the Western observer. The Ise Grand Shrine [in Japan] is 1,300 years old for the millions of Japanese people who go there on pilgrimage every year. But in reality, this temple complex is completely rebuilt from scratch every 20 years. . . .
The cathedral of Freiburg Minster in southwest Germany is covered in scaffolding almost all year round. The sandstone from which it is built is a very soft, porous material that does not withstand natural erosion by rain and wind. After a while, it crumbles. As a result, the cathedral is continually being examined for damage, and eroded stones are replaced. And in the cathedral’s dedicated workshop, copies of the damaged sandstone figures are constantly being produced. Of course, attempts are made to preserve the stones from the Middle Ages for as long as possible. But at some point, they, too, are removed and replaced with new stones.
Fundamentally, this is the same operation as with the Japanese shrine, except in this case, the production of a replica takes place very slowly and over long periods of time. . . . In the field of art as well, the idea of an unassailable original developed historically in the Western world. Back in the 17th century [in the West], excavated artworks from antiquity were treated quite differently from today. They were not restored in a way that was faithful to the original. Instead, there was massive intervention in these works, changing their appearance. . . .
It is probably this intellectual position that explains why Asians have far fewer scruples about cloning than Europeans. The South Korean cloning researcher Hwang Woo-suk, who attracted worldwide attention with his cloning experiments in 2004, is a Buddhist. He found a great deal of support and followers among Buddhists, while Christians called for a ban on human cloning. . . . Hwang legitimized his cloning experiments with his religious affiliation: ‘I am Buddhist, and I have no philosophical problem with cloning. And as you know, the basis of Buddhism is that life is recycled through reincarnation. In some ways, I think, therapeutic cloning restarts the circle of life.’
Q. 24.
Which one of the following statements does not correctly express the similarity between the Ise Grand Shrine and the cathedral of Freiburg Minster?
A).
Both were built as places of worship
B).
Both will one day be completely rebuilt
C).
Both are continually undergoing restoration.
D).
Both can be regarded as very old structures.
Explanation :
Option 1 can be eliminated as both Ise Grand Shrine (a Japanese pilgrimage) and the Cathedral of Freiburg Minister (a catholic place) were built as places of worship.
Option 2 can be eliminated as it is true that both these structures will 'one day' be completely rebuilt.
Option 4 can be eliminated as the Shrine is around 1,300 years old and the Cathedral has 'stones from the Middle Ages'.
Option 3 is correct. According to the passage, the Ise Shrine, unlike the Freiburg Minster, is not continually undergoing restoration but is completely rebuilt from scratch every 20 years.