CAT 2023 VARC - Slot 3
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1
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces the topic of romantic aesthetics, emphasizing its complexity. Renowned scholars like Arthur Lovejoy, Northrop Frye, and Isaiah Berlin are mentioned for their commentary on the difficulty of defining romanticism. Lovejoy, in particular, is quoted as saying that romanticism is a complex and elusive concept in literary history and criticism. He highlights the challenge due to the absence of a single, clear definition for “romanticism,” suggesting that the term is so broad and varied in its usage that it risks losing its meaning.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves deeper into the challenges of characterizing romantic aesthetics. It starts by defining conventional aesthetics as a theory or philosophical study of beauty and art. The paragraph then notes a paradox in romantic aesthetics: many romantics themselves rejected the notion of confining aesthetics to a specific domain, separate from practical and theoretical life aspects. Instead, they viewed aesthetics as integral to all facets of human existence. This commitment of the romantics makes studying and characterizing their aesthetics more complex, especially given that their views are often expressed in non-theoretical forms like poetry, making them elusive and suggestive rather than conclusive.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the focus shifts to the feasibility and desirability of studying romantic aesthetics despite the challenges. It addresses Lovejoy’s skepticism about defining romanticism, with Isaiah Berlin countering Lovejoy by emphasizing the importance of understanding romanticism as a significant movement. The paragraph suggests that while a reductive definition should be avoided, a general characterization of romanticism is both possible and necessary.
Para 4: The final paragraph discusses recent attempts to characterize romanticism, noting that these don’t overlook the differences between national romanticisms as Lovejoy did, but instead try to define it in terms of specific philosophical questions and concerns. The emphasis is on German romantics, given their pivotal role and the philosophical depth of their contributions, particularly in the context of Kant’s philosophy.
Question Explanation: The question asks which statement is NOT supported by the passage. It requires identifying the option that either contradicts or is not mentioned in the passage’s content regarding romanticism and its characterization.
Correct Answer:
1. Recent studies on romanticism seek to refute the differences between national romanticisms.
This option is not supported by the passage. The passage actually suggests that recent studies do not overlook the differences among national romanticisms. Instead, they aim to characterize romanticism based on particular philosophical questions, acknowledging these differences.
Incorrect Answers:
2. Characterizing romantic aesthetics is both possible and desirable: This idea is directly stated in the passage, especially in the third paragraph, where the response to Lovejoy’s skepticism is discussed.
3. Many romantics rejected the idea of aesthetics as a separate domain: This concept is outlined in the second paragraph, where the paradox in romantic aesthetics is discussed.
4. Romantic aesthetics are primarily expressed through fragments, aphorisms, and poems: The passage, in the second paragraph, notes that the views of romantics are often found in non-theoretical forms such as fragments and poems, which aligns with this statement.
3
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces the topic of romantic aesthetics, emphasizing its complexity. Renowned scholars like Arthur Lovejoy, Northrop Frye, and Isaiah Berlin are mentioned for their commentary on the difficulty of defining romanticism. Lovejoy, in particular, is quoted as saying that romanticism is a complex and elusive concept in literary history and criticism. He highlights the challenge due to the absence of a single, clear definition for “romanticism,” suggesting that the term is so broad and varied in its usage that it risks losing its meaning.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves deeper into the challenges of characterizing romantic aesthetics. It starts by defining conventional aesthetics as a theory or philosophical study of beauty and art. The paragraph then notes a paradox in romantic aesthetics: many romantics themselves rejected the notion of confining aesthetics to a specific domain, separate from practical and theoretical life aspects. Instead, they viewed aesthetics as integral to all facets of human existence. This commitment of the romantics makes studying and characterizing their aesthetics more complex, especially given that their views are often expressed in non-theoretical forms like poetry, making them elusive and suggestive rather than conclusive.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the focus shifts to the feasibility and desirability of studying romantic aesthetics despite the challenges. It addresses Lovejoy’s skepticism about defining romanticism, with Isaiah Berlin countering Lovejoy by emphasizing the importance of understanding romanticism as a significant movement. The paragraph suggests that while a reductive definition should be avoided, a general characterization of romanticism is both possible and necessary.
Para 4: The final paragraph discusses recent attempts to characterize romanticism, noting that these don’t overlook the differences between national romanticisms as Lovejoy did, but instead try to define it in terms of specific philosophical questions and concerns. The emphasis is on German romantics, given their pivotal role and the philosophical depth of their contributions, particularly in the context of Kant’s philosophy.
Question Explanation: Question 2 asks about the romantics’ perspective on aesthetics. It seeks to determine how the romantics viewed the role and scope of aesthetics in human life, based on the information provided in the passage.
Correct Answer:
3. permeates all aspects of human life, philosophical and mundane.
The passage, particularly in its second paragraph, discusses the romantics’ view on aesthetics. It highlights that many romantics rejected the idea of confining aesthetics to a separate, circumscribed domain of human life, distinct from practical and theoretical aspects. Instead, they believed that aesthetics – the character of art and beauty and our engagement with them – should shape all aspects of human existence. This belief implies that aesthetics, according to the romantics, is not just a matter of philosophical or artistic concern but is fundamental and pervasive in everyday life as well.
Incorrect Answers:
1. should be confined to a specific domain separate from the practical and theoretical aspects of life: This option is directly contradicted by the passage, which states that the romantics rejected the confinement of aesthetics to a separate domain.
2. is primarily the concern of philosophers and artists, rather than of ordinary people: The passage argues against this, noting the romantics’ belief that beauty and art should be central in the lives of not only philosophers and artists but also ordinary people.
4. is widely considered to be irrelevant to human existence: This statement is the opposite of the romantics’ view as described in the passage. The romantics saw aesthetics as fundamental to human existence, not irrelevant.
The passage clearly communicates the romantics’ expansive view of aesthetics, seeing it as an integral and pervasive aspect of human life, influencing both philosophical thought and everyday experiences.
1
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces the topic of romantic aesthetics, emphasizing its complexity. Renowned scholars like Arthur Lovejoy, Northrop Frye, and Isaiah Berlin are mentioned for their commentary on the difficulty of defining romanticism. Lovejoy, in particular, is quoted as saying that romanticism is a complex and elusive concept in literary history and criticism. He highlights the challenge due to the absence of a single, clear definition for “romanticism,” suggesting that the term is so broad and varied in its usage that it risks losing its meaning.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves deeper into the challenges of characterizing romantic aesthetics. It starts by defining conventional aesthetics as a theory or philosophical study of beauty and art. The paragraph then notes a paradox in romantic aesthetics: many romantics themselves rejected the notion of confining aesthetics to a specific domain, separate from practical and theoretical life aspects. Instead, they viewed aesthetics as integral to all facets of human existence. This commitment of the romantics makes studying and characterizing their aesthetics more complex, especially given that their views are often expressed in non-theoretical forms like poetry, making them elusive and suggestive rather than conclusive.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the focus shifts to the feasibility and desirability of studying romantic aesthetics despite the challenges. It addresses Lovejoy’s skepticism about defining romanticism, with Isaiah Berlin countering Lovejoy by emphasizing the importance of understanding romanticism as a significant movement. The paragraph suggests that while a reductive definition should be avoided, a general characterization of romanticism is both possible and necessary.
Para 4: The final paragraph discusses recent attempts to characterize romanticism, noting that these don’t overlook the differences between national romanticisms as Lovejoy did, but instead try to define it in terms of specific philosophical questions and concerns. The emphasis is on German romantics, given their pivotal role and the philosophical depth of their contributions, particularly in the context of Kant’s philosophy.
Question Explanation: Question 3 inquires about the approach recent studies on romanticism take to avoid defining the movement in terms of “a single definition, a specific time, or a specific place.” The question requires identifying the reason behind this approach as presented in the passage.
Correct Answer:
1. prefer to focus on the fundamental concerns of the romantics.
The correct answer aligns with the key point in the fourth paragraph of the passage. The passage explains that recent studies on romanticism do not attempt to define it narrowly by time, place, or a single definition. Instead, these studies aim to characterize romanticism based on “particular philosophical questions and concerns.” This approach suggests a focus on the fundamental and central ideas that the romantics grappled with, rather than confining the movement to specific historical or geographical contexts.
Incorrect Answers:
2. prefer to highlight the paradox of romantic aesthetics as a concept: While the passage does discuss the paradoxical nature of romantic aesthetics, it does not suggest that this is the reason why recent studies avoid a single definition or specific time/place.
3. understand that the variety of romanticisms renders a general analysis impossible: The passage actually counters this view by suggesting that, despite the variety, a general characterization focused on fundamental concerns is both possible and desirable.
4. seek to discredit Lovejoy’s scepticism regarding romanticism: Discrediting Lovejoy’s skepticism is not the stated goal of these studies. While they respond to his skepticism, they do so by focusing on the philosophical aspects of romanticism, not by seeking to discredit his views.
The passage underscores the idea that recent studies on romanticism aim to capture the essence of the movement through its core philosophical concerns, rather than limiting it to specific historical or geographical parameters. This approach acknowledges the diversity within romanticism while still striving for a meaningful characterization.
3
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces the topic of romantic aesthetics, emphasizing its complexity. Renowned scholars like Arthur Lovejoy, Northrop Frye, and Isaiah Berlin are mentioned for their commentary on the difficulty of defining romanticism. Lovejoy, in particular, is quoted as saying that romanticism is a complex and elusive concept in literary history and criticism. He highlights the challenge due to the absence of a single, clear definition for “romanticism,” suggesting that the term is so broad and varied in its usage that it risks losing its meaning.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves deeper into the challenges of characterizing romantic aesthetics. It starts by defining conventional aesthetics as a theory or philosophical study of beauty and art. The paragraph then notes a paradox in romantic aesthetics: many romantics themselves rejected the notion of confining aesthetics to a specific domain, separate from practical and theoretical life aspects. Instead, they viewed aesthetics as integral to all facets of human existence. This commitment of the romantics makes studying and characterizing their aesthetics more complex, especially given that their views are often expressed in non-theoretical forms like poetry, making them elusive and suggestive rather than conclusive.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the focus shifts to the feasibility and desirability of studying romantic aesthetics despite the challenges. It addresses Lovejoy’s skepticism about defining romanticism, with Isaiah Berlin countering Lovejoy by emphasizing the importance of understanding romanticism as a significant movement. The paragraph suggests that while a reductive definition should be avoided, a general characterization of romanticism is both possible and necessary.
Para 4: The final paragraph discusses recent attempts to characterize romanticism, noting that these don’t overlook the differences between national romanticisms as Lovejoy did, but instead try to define it in terms of specific philosophical questions and concerns. The emphasis is on German romantics, given their pivotal role and the philosophical depth of their contributions, particularly in the context of Kant’s philosophy.
Question Explanation: Question 4 asks about the main difficulty in studying romanticism as indicated in the passage. It requires identifying the primary challenge highlighted in the text concerning the understanding and definition of romanticism.
Correct Answer:
3. lack of clear conceptual contours of the domain.
The correct answer is directly supported by the first paragraph of the passage. Arthur Lovejoy, a noted scholar, is quoted as saying that romanticism is a complex and elusive concept in literary history and criticism. The main challenge, as highlighted by Lovejoy, lies in the absence of a single, clear entity or type that the term “romanticism” designates. This issue points to the lack of clear conceptual contours or a definitive definition of romanticism, making it a challenging subject for study and characterization. Lovejoy even concludes that the word “romantic” has become so broadly used that it essentially means nothing by itself, underlining the difficulty in pinning down its meaning.
Incorrect Answers:
1. absence of written accounts by romantic poets and artists: The passage does not suggest that there is an absence of written accounts. Rather, it mentions that the views of romantics are often found in fragments, aphorisms, and poems.
2. controversial and scandalous history of romantic literature: While Lovejoy refers to romanticism as the “scandal of literary history and criticism,” this is more about the conceptual challenges of defining romanticism, not about any actual scandal or controversy in its history.
4. elusive and suggestive nature of romantic aesthetics: Although the passage mentions the elusive and suggestive nature of romantic expressions, this is not described as the main difficulty. The central challenge is the conceptual vagueness and the lack of a singular definition for romanticism.
The passage makes it clear that the primary challenge in studying romanticism is its conceptual ambiguity. There is no single, universally accepted definition or clear boundaries that encapsulate what romanticism is, making it a complex and elusive subject for scholarly study.
1
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces Steven Pinker’s book, “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters,” framing it as a pragmatic and optimistic exploration of rationality. Pinker’s work is presented as an ambitious and welcome venture that could lead to a “return to sanity.” The author of the passage commends Pinker for making complex subjects like formal logic, game theory, statistics, and Bayesian reasoning engaging and relevant. This introduction sets the tone for a positive view of Pinker’s approach to rationality, highlighting its potential benefits in personal and civic life.
Para 2: The second paragraph continues the discussion of Pinker’s book, focusing on the practical applications of rational tools. It suggests that a wider application of these tools, as analyzed by Pinker, could significantly improve the world. The author specifically mentions Pinker’s timely primer on statistics and scientific uncertainty, especially relevant to understanding news about the COVID pandemic. There is an emphasis on how media coverage often focuses on rare, sensational events, leading to skewed public perceptions and resource misallocation. The author agrees with Pinker’s critique of media coverage but notes that an analysis of the political economy of journalism would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of why media coverage can be misguided.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author describes Pinker’s focus on conscious, sequential reasoning and its applicability in various real-world contexts, including medical, legal, and financial decision-making. This section underscores Pinker’s argument that mastering rationality can significantly enhance decision-making in contexts where actions are based on uncertain and shifting information. The author acknowledges Pinker’s insights while also pointing out that many great scientific, mathematical, musical, and artistic achievements have originated in moments of epiphany, not solely through conscious reasoning. This contrast suggests that while rationality is powerful, it does not encompass all forms of human creativity and insight.
Para 4: The final paragraph touches upon the moral and ethical dimensions of rationality, an aspect that Pinker recognizes but does not deeply explore. The author reflects on the idea that possessing the right moral character is crucial for using rationality effectively and beneficially. This point is connected to the philosophical explorations of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who delved into the interplay between moral character and rationality. The author suggests that a deeper exploration of this connection could have added value to Pinker’s discussion on rationality, indicating a missed opportunity for a more holistic treatment of the subject.
Question Explanation: Question 5 inquires about the author’s endorsement of Steven Pinker’s views on logical reasoning. The question aims to identify the specific aspect of logical reasoning that the author agrees with, as highlighted in Pinker’s book. It focuses on understanding which benefit of logical reasoning, as presented in the passage, the author supports.
Correct Answer:
1. equips people with the ability to tackle challenging practical problems.
The author endorses Pinker’s views that logical reasoning equips individuals to effectively address real-world, practical problems. In the third paragraph of the passage, the author discusses Pinker’s emphasis on conscious, sequential reasoning and its direct application in various contexts like medical, legal, and financial decision-making. This alignment with Pinker’s argument highlights the author’s agreement that mastering rational tools, as Pinker outlines, can significantly improve how individuals navigate and solve complex, practical issues in different domains.
Incorrect Answers:
2. provides a moral compass for resolving important ethical dilemmas: The passage does not specifically indicate that the author believes logical reasoning provides a moral compass for ethical dilemmas. While Pinker acknowledges the moral aspect of rationality, the passage does not explicitly endorse this view.
3. focuses public attention on real issues like development rather than sensational events: Although the author agrees with Pinker’s critique of media coverage focusing on sensational events, this agreement does not specifically relate to the endorsement of logical reasoning’s importance.
4. helps people to gain expertise in statistics and other scientific disciplines: While the author appreciates Pinker’s primer on statistics, the endorsement is more broadly about the application of rationality in practical problem-solving, rather than specifically gaining expertise in scientific disciplines.
The author’s endorsement of Pinker’s views is centered on the practical applicability and utility of logical reasoning in tackling real-world challenges, aligning with Pinker’s analysis of how rationality can improve decision-making across various life domains.
1
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces Steven Pinker’s book, “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters,” framing it as a pragmatic and optimistic exploration of rationality. Pinker’s work is presented as an ambitious and welcome venture that could lead to a “return to sanity.” The author of the passage commends Pinker for making complex subjects like formal logic, game theory, statistics, and Bayesian reasoning engaging and relevant. This introduction sets the tone for a positive view of Pinker’s approach to rationality, highlighting its potential benefits in personal and civic life.
Para 2: The second paragraph continues the discussion of Pinker’s book, focusing on the practical applications of rational tools. It suggests that a wider application of these tools, as analyzed by Pinker, could significantly improve the world. The author specifically mentions Pinker’s timely primer on statistics and scientific uncertainty, especially relevant to understanding news about the COVID pandemic. There is an emphasis on how media coverage often focuses on rare, sensational events, leading to skewed public perceptions and resource misallocation. The author agrees with Pinker’s critique of media coverage but notes that an analysis of the political economy of journalism would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of why media coverage can be misguided.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author describes Pinker’s focus on conscious, sequential reasoning and its applicability in various real-world contexts, including medical, legal, and financial decision-making. This section underscores Pinker’s argument that mastering rationality can significantly enhance decision-making in contexts where actions are based on uncertain and shifting information. The author acknowledges Pinker’s insights while also pointing out that many great scientific, mathematical, musical, and artistic achievements have originated in moments of epiphany, not solely through conscious reasoning. This contrast suggests that while rationality is powerful, it does not encompass all forms of human creativity and insight.
Para 4: The final paragraph touches upon the moral and ethical dimensions of rationality, an aspect that Pinker recognizes but does not deeply explore. The author reflects on the idea that possessing the right moral character is crucial for using rationality effectively and beneficially. This point is connected to the philosophical explorations of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who delved into the interplay between moral character and rationality. The author suggests that a deeper exploration of this connection could have added value to Pinker’s discussion on rationality, indicating a missed opportunity for a more holistic treatment of the subject.
Question Explanation: Question 6 focuses on the purpose behind the author’s reference to ancient Greek philosophers in the context of Pinker’s discussion on rational behavior. It aims to determine how these philosophers’ views are used to complement or critique Pinker’s arguments about rationality.
Correct Answer:
1. reveal gaps in Pinker’s discussion of the importance of ethical considerations in rational behavior.
The author uses the example of ancient Greek philosophers, specifically Plato and Aristotle, to highlight a significant aspect that is underexplored in Pinker’s discussion: the role of moral and ethical education in promoting rational behavior. The fourth paragraph of the passage notes that while Pinker recognizes rationality as a moral virtue, he does not thoroughly develop this point. By referencing the ancient Greeks, who deeply explored the relationship between moral character and rationality, the author points out that understanding and utilizing rationality beneficially requires not just cognitive skills but also a well-formed moral character. This connection, richly investigated by the Greeks, is presented as a critical dimension missing in Pinker’s analysis.
Incorrect Answers:
2. highlight the influence of their thinking on the development of Pinker’s arguments: The passage does not suggest that Pinker’s arguments on rationality were directly influenced by the thoughts of ancient Greek philosophers.
3. indicate the various similarities between their thinking and Pinker’s conclusions: While there may be parallels, the passage specifically uses the Greek philosophers to point out what Pinker does not cover, rather than to draw similarities.
4. show how dreams and visions have for centuries influenced subconscious behavior and pathbreaking inventions: The passage mentions dreams and visions in the context of explaining that not all significant achievements stem from conscious reasoning. However, the reference to Greek philosophers is specifically linked to the ethical aspects of rational behavior, not to the role of subconscious processes in creativity.
The use of ancient Greek philosophers in the passage serves to underline a notable omission in Pinker’s treatment of rationality – the ethical and moral dimensions that are crucial for its beneficial application, a theme extensively explored by these philosophers but only briefly touched upon by Pinker.
2
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces Steven Pinker’s book, “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters,” framing it as a pragmatic and optimistic exploration of rationality. Pinker’s work is presented as an ambitious and welcome venture that could lead to a “return to sanity.” The author of the passage commends Pinker for making complex subjects like formal logic, game theory, statistics, and Bayesian reasoning engaging and relevant. This introduction sets the tone for a positive view of Pinker’s approach to rationality, highlighting its potential benefits in personal and civic life.
Para 2: The second paragraph continues the discussion of Pinker’s book, focusing on the practical applications of rational tools. It suggests that a wider application of these tools, as analyzed by Pinker, could significantly improve the world. The author specifically mentions Pinker’s timely primer on statistics and scientific uncertainty, especially relevant to understanding news about the COVID pandemic. There is an emphasis on how media coverage often focuses on rare, sensational events, leading to skewed public perceptions and resource misallocation. The author agrees with Pinker’s critique of media coverage but notes that an analysis of the political economy of journalism would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of why media coverage can be misguided.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author describes Pinker’s focus on conscious, sequential reasoning and its applicability in various real-world contexts, including medical, legal, and financial decision-making. This section underscores Pinker’s argument that mastering rationality can significantly enhance decision-making in contexts where actions are based on uncertain and shifting information. The author acknowledges Pinker’s insights while also pointing out that many great scientific, mathematical, musical, and artistic achievements have originated in moments of epiphany, not solely through conscious reasoning. This contrast suggests that while rationality is powerful, it does not encompass all forms of human creativity and insight.
Para 4: The final paragraph touches upon the moral and ethical dimensions of rationality, an aspect that Pinker recognizes but does not deeply explore. The author reflects on the idea that possessing the right moral character is crucial for using rationality effectively and beneficially. This point is connected to the philosophical explorations of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who delved into the interplay between moral character and rationality. The author suggests that a deeper exploration of this connection could have added value to Pinker’s discussion on rationality, indicating a missed opportunity for a more holistic treatment of the subject.
Question Explanation: Question 7 examines the reason behind the author’s mention of Kekulé’s discovery of benzene’s structure and Mozart’s symphonies. The question aims to identify what these examples illustrate about the nature of human achievement as discussed in Pinker’s book on rationality.
Correct Answer:
2. great innovations across various fields can stem from flashes of intuition and are not always propelled by logical thinking.
The author references Kekulé and Mozart to illustrate that extraordinary human achievements in science, music, and other fields often arise from moments of epiphany or intuition, not solely from conscious, sequential reasoning. In the third paragraph, the author contrasts Pinker’s emphasis on rational, deliberate thinking with the fact that many significant discoveries and creations occur as sudden insights. These examples serve to highlight the broader spectrum of human cognition and creativity, encompassing both the rational processes emphasized by Pinker and the intuitive, spontaneous bursts of inspiration that have led to major scientific and artistic breakthroughs.
Incorrect Answers:
1. unlike the sciences, human achievements in other fields are a mix of logical reasoning and spontaneous epiphanies: This option incorrectly implies a separation between sciences and other fields regarding the role of intuition. The passage suggests that intuition plays a significant role in both scientific and artistic achievements.
3. Pinker’s conclusions on sequential reasoning are belied by European achievements which, in the past, were more rooted in unconscious bursts of genius: The passage does not suggest that European achievements contradict Pinker’s conclusions; rather, it presents these achievements as additional aspects of human creativity.
4. it is not just the creative arts, but also scientific fields that have benefitted from flashes of creativity: While this statement is true, it does not capture the specific point the author is making about the contrast between Pinker’s focus on sequential reasoning and the broader nature of creativity and insight.
The passage uses the examples of Kekulé and Mozart to underscore the idea that significant achievements often originate from intuitive insights, adding a dimension to human creativity and problem-solving that extends beyond the deliberate, logical reasoning highlighted by Pinker.
4
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: The first paragraph introduces Steven Pinker’s book, “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters,” framing it as a pragmatic and optimistic exploration of rationality. Pinker’s work is presented as an ambitious and welcome venture that could lead to a “return to sanity.” The author of the passage commends Pinker for making complex subjects like formal logic, game theory, statistics, and Bayesian reasoning engaging and relevant. This introduction sets the tone for a positive view of Pinker’s approach to rationality, highlighting its potential benefits in personal and civic life.
Para 2: The second paragraph continues the discussion of Pinker’s book, focusing on the practical applications of rational tools. It suggests that a wider application of these tools, as analyzed by Pinker, could significantly improve the world. The author specifically mentions Pinker’s timely primer on statistics and scientific uncertainty, especially relevant to understanding news about the COVID pandemic. There is an emphasis on how media coverage often focuses on rare, sensational events, leading to skewed public perceptions and resource misallocation. The author agrees with Pinker’s critique of media coverage but notes that an analysis of the political economy of journalism would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of why media coverage can be misguided.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author describes Pinker’s focus on conscious, sequential reasoning and its applicability in various real-world contexts, including medical, legal, and financial decision-making. This section underscores Pinker’s argument that mastering rationality can significantly enhance decision-making in contexts where actions are based on uncertain and shifting information. The author acknowledges Pinker’s insights while also pointing out that many great scientific, mathematical, musical, and artistic achievements have originated in moments of epiphany, not solely through conscious reasoning. This contrast suggests that while rationality is powerful, it does not encompass all forms of human creativity and insight.
Para 4: The final paragraph touches upon the moral and ethical dimensions of rationality, an aspect that Pinker recognizes but does not deeply explore. The author reflects on the idea that possessing the right moral character is crucial for using rationality effectively and beneficially. This point is connected to the philosophical explorations of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who delved into the interplay between moral character and rationality. The author suggests that a deeper exploration of this connection could have added value to Pinker’s discussion on rationality, indicating a missed opportunity for a more holistic treatment of the subject.
Question Explanation: Question 8 probes into the conceptualization of rational thinking as presented by Steven Pinker and the ancient Greek philosophers in the passage. It asks which aspect of rational thinking is not included in their views, as discussed in the book “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters.” The question tests the reader’s understanding of how Pinker and the Greek philosophers perceive rational thinking, particularly regarding its scope and application.
Correct Answer:
4. the primacy of conscious sequential reasoning as the basis for seminal human achievements.
The passage, especially in the third paragraph, discusses Pinker’s emphasis on conscious, sequential reasoning and its utility in various real-world situations. However, it contrasts this with the idea that many great scientific and artistic achievements come from moments of epiphany or intuition, not solely from deliberate, logical processes. Examples like Kekulé’s discovery and Mozart’s symphonies are cited to illustrate this point. Moreover, the reference to Socrates — a figure who predates Pinker by millennia and emphasized knowing one’s ignorance and examining premises in arguments — indicates that profound insights often come from beyond conscious reasoning. Thus, while both Pinker and the Greek philosophers value rational thought, they do not assert it as the sole or primary basis for all significant human achievements.
Incorrect Answers:
1. arriving at independent conclusions irrespective of who is presenting the argument: The passage implies that both Pinker and the Greek philosophers value the ability to think independently, without undue influence from authority figures or charismatic individuals. This aligns with a critical aspect of rational thinking.
2. an awareness of underlying assumptions in an argument and gaps in one’s own knowledge: Pinker’s focus on rationality, as well as the philosophical teachings of ancient Greeks like Socrates, encompass an understanding of one’s limitations and the importance of questioning assumptions, which is a fundamental part of rational thought.
3. the belief that the ability to reason logically encompasses an ethical and moral dimension: The passage acknowledges that Pinker sees rationality as a moral virtue, an idea that is also explored by Greek philosophers. This indicates that both view rational thinking as having ethical and moral implications.
The passage illustrates that while Pinker and the Greek philosophers recognize the importance of rational, logical reasoning, they also acknowledge the role of intuition and spontaneous insight in human achievements. This perspective suggests a more comprehensive understanding of rationality, extending beyond the confines of conscious, sequential reasoning.
4
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: “The Nutmeg’s Curse” by Amitav Ghosh challenges the commonly accepted timeline of the climate crisis, suggesting it began not with the Industrial Age in the 18th century, but three centuries earlier with European colonialism in the 15th century.
Para 2: Ghosh traces the origins of the climate crisis to the 15th century, starting with a 1621 massacre by the Dutch in the Banda Islands, Indonesia, to monopolize nutmeg cultivation. He argues that European colonialists not only decimated indigenous populations but also disregarded indigenous environmental knowledge, treating nature as a resource to exploit.
Para 3: Ghosh suggests that current environmental disasters—heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires—could be seen as Earth’s response to human terraforming activities. He challenges the view of Earth as an inert object, citing non-European perspectives on human-Earth relationships.
Para 4: The book highlights that opposition to the European colonialist worldview has always existed. However, this perspective, along with supporting economic, political, and scientific views, has dominated global discourse, overshadowing alternative viewpoints.
Para 5: Ghosh points out that alternative perspectives, like the Latin American view of Earth as Pachamama, exist but are often marginalized in global discussions, including climate negotiations. He discusses the vested interests in the oil economy and how they overpower and silence these alternative voices.
Question Explanation: Question 9 challenges readers to identify which listed factor is not a reason for the failure of climate change policies as described in “The Nutmeg’s Curse” by Ghosh. The question requires an understanding of the reasons Ghosh presents for policy failures and determining which of the provided options is not aligned with these reasons.
Correct Answer:
4. The decentralised characteristic of renewable energy resources like solar power.
The passage does not mention the decentralized nature of renewable energy as a contributing factor to the failure of climate change policies. Instead, it focuses on the impacts of European colonialism, the dominance of oil economies, and the greed of organizations benefiting from non-renewable energy resources. The decentralization of renewable energy, such as solar power, is typically viewed as a positive aspect in the context of combating climate change, not as a reason for policy failure. Therefore, this option is not supported by the passage.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Global dominance of oil economies: The passage discusses the significant influence of oil economies and politics on global affairs, implying this as a contributing factor to policy failures.
2. Marginalized status of non-European views: Ghosh highlights how European colonialism and the marginalization of non-European perspectives have contributed to a skewed relationship with nature and the environment, which can be inferred as a reason for policy failure.
3. Greed of organizations benefiting from non-renewable energy resources: The passage mentions vested interests in the oil economy and the actions of power utilities against decentralized solar power, suggesting greed as a factor in policy failures.
2
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: “The Nutmeg’s Curse” by Amitav Ghosh challenges the commonly accepted timeline of the climate crisis, suggesting it began not with the Industrial Age in the 18th century, but three centuries earlier with European colonialism in the 15th century.
Para 2: Ghosh traces the origins of the climate crisis to the 15th century, starting with a 1621 massacre by the Dutch in the Banda Islands, Indonesia, to monopolize nutmeg cultivation. He argues that European colonialists not only decimated indigenous populations but also disregarded indigenous environmental knowledge, treating nature as a resource to exploit.
Para 3: Ghosh suggests that current environmental disasters—heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires—could be seen as Earth’s response to human terraforming activities. He challenges the view of Earth as an inert object, citing non-European perspectives on human-Earth relationships.
Para 4: The book highlights that opposition to the European colonialist worldview has always existed. However, this perspective, along with supporting economic, political, and scientific views, has dominated global discourse, overshadowing alternative viewpoints.
Para 5: Ghosh points out that alternative perspectives, like the Latin American view of Earth as Pachamama, exist but are often marginalized in global discussions, including climate negotiations. He discusses the vested interests in the oil economy and how they overpower and silence these alternative voices.
Question Explanation: Question 10 asks which statement cannot be inferred from the reviewer’s discussion of “The Nutmeg’s Curse.” This requires identifying an idea or notion that is not supported by, or is contradictory to, the content of the passage.
Correct Answer:
2. Academic discourses have always served the function of raising awareness about environmental preservation.
This statement cannot be inferred from the passage, as it does not discuss the historical role of academic discourses in environmental preservation. While the passage does mention the dominance of European perspectives in various academic fields, it does not explicitly state or imply that these discourses have consistently been focused on raising environmental awareness. Therefore, this option stands out as the one least supported by the passage.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Environmental preservation policymakers can learn from non-European and/or pre-colonial societies: This is implied in the passage, which discusses the value of non-European perspectives on nature and the environment.
3. The contemporary dominant perception of nature and the environment was put in place by processes of colonialism: The passage explicitly discusses how European colonialism shaped perceptions and attitudes towards nature and the environment.
4. The history of climate change is deeply intertwined with the history of colonialism: Ghosh’s book, as described in the passage, traces the climate crisis back to the start of European colonialism, indicating a deep interconnection.
3
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: “The Nutmeg’s Curse” by Amitav Ghosh challenges the commonly accepted timeline of the climate crisis, suggesting it began not with the Industrial Age in the 18th century, but three centuries earlier with European colonialism in the 15th century.
Para 2: Ghosh traces the origins of the climate crisis to the 15th century, starting with a 1621 massacre by the Dutch in the Banda Islands, Indonesia, to monopolize nutmeg cultivation. He argues that European colonialists not only decimated indigenous populations but also disregarded indigenous environmental knowledge, treating nature as a resource to exploit.
Para 3: Ghosh suggests that current environmental disasters—heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires—could be seen as Earth’s response to human terraforming activities. He challenges the view of Earth as an inert object, citing non-European perspectives on human-Earth relationships.
Para 4: The book highlights that opposition to the European colonialist worldview has always existed. However, this perspective, along with supporting economic, political, and scientific views, has dominated global discourse, overshadowing alternative viewpoints.
Para 5: Ghosh points out that alternative perspectives, like the Latin American view of Earth as Pachamama, exist but are often marginalized in global discussions, including climate negotiations. He discusses the vested interests in the oil economy and how they overpower and silence these alternative voices.
Question Explanation: Question 11 asks which scenario would make the reviewer’s use of “who” for Gaia inappropriate. The question assesses the reader’s understanding of the personification of Gaia in the context of the passage and Ghosh’s perspective.
Correct Answer:
3. Modern western science discovers new evidence for the Earth being an inanimate object.
If modern western science were to provide new evidence that Earth is an inanimate object, the use of “who” for Gaia would be inappropriate, as “who” is typically used for living entities or those with agency. The passage personifies Earth as Gaia, a living entity that reacts to human actions. New scientific evidence contradicting this personification would render the use of “who” incorrect.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Direct cause-effect relationship between human activities and global climate change: This does not negate the personification of Gaia; it could even support it.
2. Non-European societies have perceived the Earth as a non-living source of resources: The passage focuses on Ghosh’s view and the use of “who” for Gaia, not necessarily on how non-European societies perceive Earth.
4. Ghosh’s book has a different title: “The Nutmeg’s Revenge”: The title of the book is irrelevant to the appropriateness of using “who” for Gaia.
3
Passage Explanation:
Para 1: “The Nutmeg’s Curse” by Amitav Ghosh challenges the commonly accepted timeline of the climate crisis, suggesting it began not with the Industrial Age in the 18th century, but three centuries earlier with European colonialism in the 15th century.
Para 2: Ghosh traces the origins of the climate crisis to the 15th century, starting with a 1621 massacre by the Dutch in the Banda Islands, Indonesia, to monopolize nutmeg cultivation. He argues that European colonialists not only decimated indigenous populations but also disregarded indigenous environmental knowledge, treating nature as a resource to exploit.
Para 3: Ghosh suggests that current environmental disasters—heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires—could be seen as Earth’s response to human terraforming activities. He challenges the view of Earth as an inert object, citing non-European perspectives on human-Earth relationships.
Para 4: The book highlights that opposition to the European colonialist worldview has always existed. However, this perspective, along with supporting economic, political, and scientific views, has dominated global discourse, overshadowing alternative viewpoints.
Para 5: Ghosh points out that alternative perspectives, like the Latin American view of Earth as Pachamama, exist but are often marginalized in global discussions, including climate negotiations. He discusses the vested interests in the oil economy and how they overpower and silence these alternative voices.
Question Explanation: Question 12 seeks to determine the primary purpose of discussing the colonization of the Banda islands in Ghosh’s book. It requires understanding the central theme or message that this historical example serves in the context of the book.
Correct Answer:
3. To illustrate how colonialism represented and perpetuated the mindset that has led to climate change.
The passage suggests that Ghosh uses the colonization of the Banda islands to demonstrate how colonialism established and perpetuated a worldview that views nature as a resource to be exploited. This mindset, according to Ghosh, has significantly contributed to the current climate crisis. The example of the Banda islands serves to highlight the historical roots of this exploitative attitude towards nature.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Role of crop cultivation in contributing to climate change: While the passage mentions nutmeg cultivation, it does not suggest that this is the primary purpose of the discussion.
2. Systemic violence against the colonized: Although the passage mentions genocide by the Dutch, it is used more to illustrate the broader mindset of exploitation, not just the violence.
4. First instance of climate change processes: The passage does not claim that the colonization of the Banda islands marks the historical beginning of climate change processes, but rather uses it to illustrate the colonial mindset that contributes to climate change.
4
Passage Explanation
Para 1: The first paragraph highlights significant instances where major art institutions, like the Met and the Getty Museum, agreed to return culturally significant artifacts to their countries of origin. These examples include the Euphronios krater, a Greek urn returned by the Met, and several objects including a marble Aphrodite returned by the Getty Museum. Sotheby’s agreement to return an ancient Khmer statue to Cambodia is also mentioned. These instances set the stage for discussing the broader issue of cultural property (or patrimony) laws, which aim to limit the transfer of cultural property outside the source country’s territory. This introduction establishes the context for the following discussion on the implications of such laws.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves into the purpose and perceived benefits of cultural property laws. Most art historians, archaeologists, museum officials, and policymakers view these laws as essential tools for counteracting the legacy of Western cultural imperialism. The paragraph provides historical context, referring to the late 19th and early 20th centuries as “the age of piracy,” when American and European museums frequently acquired antiquities through questionable means from poorer but art-rich source countries. Patrimony laws emerged as protective measures against such practices, intended to safeguard future archaeological discoveries from similar exploitation.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author presents findings from a survey of 90 countries with archaeological sites listed by UNESCO. The survey indicates that the number of discovered sites significantly drops after the implementation of cultural property laws. Of the 222 listed sites, the vast majority were discovered before such laws were enacted. This data suggests that while these laws aim to protect cultural heritage, they may inadvertently hinder new archaeological discoveries by creating barriers to exploration and excavation.
Para 4: The fourth paragraph discusses the potential downside of strict cultural property laws, particularly how they might reduce incentives for foreign investment in archaeological exploration. While these laws are popular and aim to protect heritage, their strictness can discourage international collaboration and investment in uncovering new sites. The author suggests that countries, especially those in the developing world, should consider narrowing their cultural property laws to encourage new discoveries, which could lead to increased tourism and cultural pride. The paragraph concludes with the example of China, which revised its restrictive cultural property law in 2003, leading to an increase in international archaeological collaboration and the nomination of several new sites for UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This example is used to illustrate a more balanced approach to managing cultural heritage and archaeological exploration.
Question Explanation: Question 13 asks which statement, if true, would undermine the central idea of the passage. This requires identifying a scenario that contradicts the main argument or findings presented in the passage regarding cultural property laws and archaeological discoveries.
Correct Answer:
4. UNESCO finances archaeological research in poor, but archaeologically-rich source countries.
If UNESCO actively finances archaeological research in poor countries, this could undermine the passage’s central idea that strict cultural property laws diminish incentives for archaeological discoveries. The passage argues that such laws reduce foreign investments in exploration, suggesting a need for funding and collaboration. However, if UNESCO provides significant funding, the negative impact of these laws on discoveries might be lessened or mitigated, challenging the passage’s argument.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Western countries apologizing: Apologies from Western countries for past looting wouldn’t necessarily undermine the idea that cultural property laws have reduced archaeological discoveries.
2. Affluent source countries affording excavations: The ability of affluent source countries to fund their excavations does not contradict the passage’s central idea regarding the impact of patrimony laws on poorer countries.
3. Museums in deprived countries displaying antiques: The establishment of local museums to display artifacts doesn’t directly challenge the passage’s argument about reduced archaeological discoveries due to patrimony laws.
4
Passage Explanation
Para 1: The first paragraph highlights significant instances where major art institutions, like the Met and the Getty Museum, agreed to return culturally significant artifacts to their countries of origin. These examples include the Euphronios krater, a Greek urn returned by the Met, and several objects including a marble Aphrodite returned by the Getty Museum. Sotheby’s agreement to return an ancient Khmer statue to Cambodia is also mentioned. These instances set the stage for discussing the broader issue of cultural property (or patrimony) laws, which aim to limit the transfer of cultural property outside the source country’s territory. This introduction establishes the context for the following discussion on the implications of such laws.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves into the purpose and perceived benefits of cultural property laws. Most art historians, archaeologists, museum officials, and policymakers view these laws as essential tools for counteracting the legacy of Western cultural imperialism. The paragraph provides historical context, referring to the late 19th and early 20th centuries as “the age of piracy,” when American and European museums frequently acquired antiquities through questionable means from poorer but art-rich source countries. Patrimony laws emerged as protective measures against such practices, intended to safeguard future archaeological discoveries from similar exploitation.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author presents findings from a survey of 90 countries with archaeological sites listed by UNESCO. The survey indicates that the number of discovered sites significantly drops after the implementation of cultural property laws. Of the 222 listed sites, the vast majority were discovered before such laws were enacted. This data suggests that while these laws aim to protect cultural heritage, they may inadvertently hinder new archaeological discoveries by creating barriers to exploration and excavation.
Para 4: The fourth paragraph discusses the potential downside of strict cultural property laws, particularly how they might reduce incentives for foreign investment in archaeological exploration. While these laws are popular and aim to protect heritage, their strictness can discourage international collaboration and investment in uncovering new sites. The author suggests that countries, especially those in the developing world, should consider narrowing their cultural property laws to encourage new discoveries, which could lead to increased tourism and cultural pride. The paragraph concludes with the example of China, which revised its restrictive cultural property law in 2003, leading to an increase in international archaeological collaboration and the nomination of several new sites for UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This example is used to illustrate a more balanced approach to managing cultural heritage and archaeological exploration.
Question Explanation: Question 14 asks what the author is likely to advise poor but archaeologically-rich source countries to do, based on the content of the passage, except for one option that the author wouldn’t advise.
Correct Answer:
4. Fund institutes in other countries to undertake archaeological exploration in the source country, reaping the benefits of cutting-edge techniques.
This option is the least likely to be advised by the author, as the passage suggests that the author advocates for easing strict patrimony laws to encourage more archaeological discoveries through international collaboration. It doesn’t specifically suggest that source countries should fund institutions in other countries for exploration. The other options align more closely with the passage’s content, emphasizing collaborative efforts and modifications to cultural property laws.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Adopt China’s strategy: The passage cites China as a successful example of easing cultural property laws and embracing international research.
2. Allow foreign countries to analyze and exhibit finds: This aligns with the suggestion for more collaborative approaches in archaeology.
3. Motivate other countries to finance explorations: Encouraging foreign investments in archaeological projects is consistent with the passage’s argument.
3
Passage Explanation
Para 1: The first paragraph highlights significant instances where major art institutions, like the Met and the Getty Museum, agreed to return culturally significant artifacts to their countries of origin. These examples include the Euphronios krater, a Greek urn returned by the Met, and several objects including a marble Aphrodite returned by the Getty Museum. Sotheby’s agreement to return an ancient Khmer statue to Cambodia is also mentioned. These instances set the stage for discussing the broader issue of cultural property (or patrimony) laws, which aim to limit the transfer of cultural property outside the source country’s territory. This introduction establishes the context for the following discussion on the implications of such laws.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves into the purpose and perceived benefits of cultural property laws. Most art historians, archaeologists, museum officials, and policymakers view these laws as essential tools for counteracting the legacy of Western cultural imperialism. The paragraph provides historical context, referring to the late 19th and early 20th centuries as “the age of piracy,” when American and European museums frequently acquired antiquities through questionable means from poorer but art-rich source countries. Patrimony laws emerged as protective measures against such practices, intended to safeguard future archaeological discoveries from similar exploitation.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author presents findings from a survey of 90 countries with archaeological sites listed by UNESCO. The survey indicates that the number of discovered sites significantly drops after the implementation of cultural property laws. Of the 222 listed sites, the vast majority were discovered before such laws were enacted. This data suggests that while these laws aim to protect cultural heritage, they may inadvertently hinder new archaeological discoveries by creating barriers to exploration and excavation.
Para 4: The fourth paragraph discusses the potential downside of strict cultural property laws, particularly how they might reduce incentives for foreign investment in archaeological exploration. While these laws are popular and aim to protect heritage, their strictness can discourage international collaboration and investment in uncovering new sites. The author suggests that countries, especially those in the developing world, should consider narrowing their cultural property laws to encourage new discoveries, which could lead to increased tourism and cultural pride. The paragraph concludes with the example of China, which revised its restrictive cultural property law in 2003, leading to an increase in international archaeological collaboration and the nomination of several new sites for UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This example is used to illustrate a more balanced approach to managing cultural heritage and archaeological exploration.
Question Explanation: Question 15 seeks to identify the best statement that captures the paradox of patrimony laws as presented in the passage.
Correct Answer:
3. They were aimed at protecting cultural property, but instead reduced new archaeological discoveries.
This option directly reflects the paradox discussed in the passage: patrimony laws were intended to protect cultural heritage from exploitation, but the study cited in the passage shows that these laws have actually led to a sharp decrease in new archaeological discoveries. This unintended consequence forms the core of the paradox.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Withholding national treasure from museums: The paradox is not about withholding treasures but about the impact on discoveries.
2. Neglect of historical sites: The passage doesn’t suggest that patrimony laws resulted in site neglect.
4. Reduced business for auctioneers: The focus of the paradox is on archaeological discoveries, not auctioneers’ business.
3
Passage Explanation
Para 1: The first paragraph highlights significant instances where major art institutions, like the Met and the Getty Museum, agreed to return culturally significant artifacts to their countries of origin. These examples include the Euphronios krater, a Greek urn returned by the Met, and several objects including a marble Aphrodite returned by the Getty Museum. Sotheby’s agreement to return an ancient Khmer statue to Cambodia is also mentioned. These instances set the stage for discussing the broader issue of cultural property (or patrimony) laws, which aim to limit the transfer of cultural property outside the source country’s territory. This introduction establishes the context for the following discussion on the implications of such laws.
Para 2: The second paragraph delves into the purpose and perceived benefits of cultural property laws. Most art historians, archaeologists, museum officials, and policymakers view these laws as essential tools for counteracting the legacy of Western cultural imperialism. The paragraph provides historical context, referring to the late 19th and early 20th centuries as “the age of piracy,” when American and European museums frequently acquired antiquities through questionable means from poorer but art-rich source countries. Patrimony laws emerged as protective measures against such practices, intended to safeguard future archaeological discoveries from similar exploitation.
Para 3: In the third paragraph, the author presents findings from a survey of 90 countries with archaeological sites listed by UNESCO. The survey indicates that the number of discovered sites significantly drops after the implementation of cultural property laws. Of the 222 listed sites, the vast majority were discovered before such laws were enacted. This data suggests that while these laws aim to protect cultural heritage, they may inadvertently hinder new archaeological discoveries by creating barriers to exploration and excavation.
Para 4: The fourth paragraph discusses the potential downside of strict cultural property laws, particularly how they might reduce incentives for foreign investment in archaeological exploration. While these laws are popular and aim to protect heritage, their strictness can discourage international collaboration and investment in uncovering new sites. The author suggests that countries, especially those in the developing world, should consider narrowing their cultural property laws to encourage new discoveries, which could lead to increased tourism and cultural pride. The paragraph concludes with the example of China, which revised its restrictive cultural property law in 2003, leading to an increase in international archaeological collaboration and the nomination of several new sites for UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This example is used to illustrate a more balanced approach to managing cultural heritage and archaeological exploration.
Question Explanation: Question 16 asks what can be inferred about why some source countries consider archaeological sites important, based on the passage.
Correct Answer:
3. Give a boost to the tourism sector.
The passage suggests that archaeological sites are valued partly because of their potential to boost tourism. This is inferred from the discussion on the benefits of new archaeological discoveries, which typically include increased tourism and enhanced cultural pride.
Incorrect Answers:
1. Generate funds for future discoveries: While plausible, the passage doesn’t explicitly link site importance to funding future discoveries.
2. Subject to strict patrimony laws: The importance of sites isn’t directly attributed to the existence of patrimony laws.
4. Symbol of Western imperialism: The passage discusses Western imperialism in the context of looting and exploitation, not as a reason for the importance of sites in source countries.
3
Question Explanation:
Sentence to Fit:
“Beyond undermining the monopoly of the State on the use of force, armed conflict also creates an environment that can enable organized crime to prosper.”
Paragraph Analysis:
The paragraph discusses the interplay between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict, and their combined effects on violence, governance, and sustainable peacebuilding.
Explanation for Each Blank:
Option 1: Placing the sentence here would start the paragraph by immediately discussing the impact of armed conflict on enabling organized crime, without first establishing the context of the linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict. It’s important to set this context before delving into specific impacts like the growth of organized crime.
Option 2: Inserting the sentence here disrupts the flow. The paragraph first needs to establish the linkages and then illustrate how they reinforce each other, which is what the given sentence does. Placing it here would prematurely introduce the consequences before establishing the foundational linkages.
Option 3: Here, the sentence fits well. It expands upon the initial statement of linkages between arms, crime, and conflict by explaining a specific consequence of armed conflict - the creation of an environment conducive to organized crime. This placement maintains the logical flow: from stating a problem (linkages) to detailing its implications (enabling organized crime).
Option 4: Placing the sentence at the end would disrupt the paragraph’s conclusion about the transition from armed conflict to a ‘criminalized peace.’ It’s important for the concluding part to focus on the post-conflict challenges rather than reintroducing the concept of organized crime’s prosperity.
Correct Answer:
Correct Placement and Rationale:
Option 3 is the correct placement. The sentence logically follows the establishment of the linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict and precedes the discussion of the financial gains from crime. It serves as a bridge between identifying the problem (the linkages) and exploring one of its specific consequences (financial gains for non-State armed groups), maintaining a coherent flow in the paragraph’s narrative.
3
Question 18 Explanation
Sentence to Fit:
“For theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities, abstracted from their contexts of use in actual human activities.”
Paragraph Analysis:
The paragraph focuses on defining an argument and exploring different aspects of how arguments function, both in theory and in practical human communication.
Explanation for Each Blank:
Option 1: Starting the paragraph with this sentence would prematurely introduce the concept of arguments as theoretical constructs before defining what an argument is. The foundation of what constitutes an argument should be established first.
Option 2: This placement disrupts the explanation of how an argument can be viewed and its components. It’s essential to fully articulate the structure of an argument before contrasting its theoretical and practical aspects.
Option 3: Here, the sentence fits well. It provides a contrast to the detailed explanation of an argument’s structure by introducing the idea of considering arguments in a theoretical context, separate from their practical use.
Option 4: Placing the sentence at the end would not fit well because the paragraph is concluding with the notion of gaining insights from practical communication. The sentence about theoretical abstraction would be better placed before this final point.
Correct Answer:
Correct Placement and Rationale:
Option 3 is the correct placement. The sentence logically follows the detailed explanation of an argument’s structure and components. It introduces the idea of considering arguments in a theoretical context, setting up a contrast with the subsequent point about the benefits of examining arguments as they occur in real-world communication. This placement maintains a coherent flow and logical progression in the paragraph’s discussion.
2
Analysis of Question
Sentences:
1. Although hard skills have traditionally ruled the roost, some companies are moving away from choosing prospective hires based on technical abilities alone.
2. Companies are shaking off the old definition of an ideal candidate and ditching the idea of looking for the singularly perfect candidate altogether.
3. Now, some job descriptions are frequently asking for candidates to demonstrate soft skills, such as leadership or teamwork.
4. That’s not to say that practical know-how is no longer required – some jobs still call for highly specific expertise.
5. The move towards prioritising soft skills “is a natural response to three years of the pandemic” says a senior recruiter at Cenlar FSB.
Logical Flow and Odd Sentence:
• Sentence 1 introduces the shift in hiring practices, moving from hard skills to considering other factors.
• Sentence 3 further explains what the other factors are, specifically mentioning soft skills like leadership and teamwork.
• Sentence 4 provides a balance, noting that while there is this shift, hard skills are still important in some jobs.
• Sentence 5 contextualizes the shift as a response to the pandemic.
Correct Answer:
Sentence 2 is the odd one out. While it talks about changing perceptions of the ideal candidate, it does not directly connect to the specific shift from hard to soft skills or the pandemic’s influence on this trend. It’s more about a general change in the mindset of companies, whereas the other sentences focus on the specifics of this change.
2
Analysis of Question
Sentences:
1. Boa Senior, who lived through the 2004 tsunami, the Japanese occupation and diseases brought by British settlers, was the last native of the island chain who was fluent in Bo.
2. The indigenous population has been steadily collapsing since the island chain was colonised by British settlers in 1858 and used for most of the following 100 years as a colonial penal colony.
3. Taking its name from a now-extinct tribe, Bo is one of the 10 Great Andamanese languages, which are thought to date back to pre-Neolithic human settlement of south-east Asia.
4. The last speaker of an ancient tribal language has died in the Andaman Islands, breaking a 65,000-year link to one of the world’s oldest cultures.
5. Though the language has been closely studied by researchers of linguistic history, Boa Senior spent the last few years of her life unable to converse with anyone in her mother tongue.
Logical Flow and Odd Sentence:
• Sentence 4 introduces the main event: the death of the last speaker of an ancient language.
• Sentence 1 provides specific information about this last speaker, Boa Senior, and her unique experiences.
• Sentence 3 gives background on the language Bo, linking it to an ancient tribe and its historical significance.
• Sentence 5 further elaborates on Boa Senior’s situation, emphasizing the loss of the language’s active use.
Correct Answer:
Sentence 2 is the odd one out. It discusses the broader historical context of the indigenous population’s decline due to colonization but does not directly tie into the specific narrative about Boa Senior and the Bo language’s extinction. The other sentences focus more directly on the language and its last speaker.
3142
3142
Sentence Analysis:
1. Veena Sahajwalla, a materials scientist at the University of New South Wales, believes there is a new way of solving this problem.
2. Her vision is for automated drones and robots to pick out components, put them into a small furnace and smelt them at specific temperatures to extract the metals one by one before they are sent off to manufacturers for reuse.
3. E-waste contains huge quantities of valuable metals, ceramics, and plastics that could be salvaged and recycled, although currently not enough of it is.
4. She plans to build microfactories that can tease apart the tangle of materials in mobile phones, computers, and other e-waste.
Detailed Sequence Rationale:
• Starting Statement (3): The paragraph should start with a general statement about the problem or context. Sentence 3 introduces the issue of e-waste and its potential for recycling, which sets the stage for discussing a solution.
• Next Statement (1): Following the introduction of the problem, we need to introduce the person who proposes a solution. Sentence 1 introduces Veena Sahajwalla and her belief in a new solution to the e-waste problem, linking directly to the context set in sentence 3.
• Subsequent Statement (4): After establishing Sahajwalla’s involvement, the paragraph should detail her specific plan. Sentence 4 explains her idea of building microfactories to process e-waste, building on the introduction in sentence 1.
• Concluding Statement (2): The final sentence should provide more specific details of the proposed solution. Sentence 2 elaborates on how the microfactories would function, using drones and robots for recycling, which is a natural progression from sentence 4’s introduction of the microfactories concept.
2431
2431
Sentence Analysis:
1. Centuries later formal learning is still mostly based on reading, even with the widespread use of other possible education-affecting technologies such as film, radio, and television.
2. One of the immediate and recognisable impacts of the printing press was on how people learned; in the scribal culture it primarily involved listening, so memorization was paramount.
3. The transformation of learners from listeners to readers was a complex social and cultural phenomenon, and it was not until the industrial era that the concept of universal literacy took root.
4. The printing press shifted the learning process, as listening and memorization gradually gave way to reading and learning no longer required the presence of a mentor; it could be done privately.
Detailed Sequence Rationale:
• Starting Statement (2): The paragraph should begin with historical context. Sentence 2 introduces the impact of the printing press on learning, shifting from a listening-based culture to one more focused on reading.
• Next Statement (4): Following the introduction of the printing press’s impact, it is logical to explain how exactly the learning process shifted. Sentence 4 details this shift, describing the move from listening and memorization to independent reading.
• Subsequent Statement (3): After establishing the shift, the paragraph should explore its broader implications. Sentence 3 talks about the transformation of learners and the eventual rise of universal literacy, building on the changes described in sentence 4.
• Concluding Statement (1): The final sentence should provide a modern perspective or conclusion. Sentence 1 reflects on the current state of formal learning, still predominantly based on reading despite the availability of other technologies, connecting back to the historical shift initiated by the printing press.
2
Analysis of Question
Passage Analysis
Sentence 1: Indicates that the bird population on the island is recovering.
Sentence 2: Birds nesting in burrows had survived despite pests and are now increasing in numbers.
Sentence 3: The return of birds is exciting; their droppings add nutrients to the soil.
Sentence 4: The nutrient-rich soil helps plants grow stronger, which in turn assists the burrowing birds.
Sentence 5: Describes the positive ecological changes, with taller plants and a proliferation of wildlife.
Main Points
• The bird population is increasing.
• Bird droppings are enriching the soil.
• The enriched soil is aiding plant growth.
• This creates a positive ecological cycle, benefiting both birds and plants.
Correct Answer: 2
“In the absence of pests, life on the island is now protected, and there has been a revival of a variety of birds and plants.”
This summary accurately captures the essence of the passage: the improvement in the ecosystem due to the absence of pests, leading to the revival of birds and plants.
Incorrect Answers:
1. “Huge positive transformation...under environmental protection”: Misleading as it suggests a broader environmental protection scope rather than focusing on the specific ecological feedback loop described.
3. “Flowering plants, herbs, and birds are now being protected”: Overemphasizes protection, missing the focus on the ecological cycle and the reasons behind the revival.
4. “Increasing number of predatory birds and plants despite pests”: Incorrect as it mentions the presence of pests, which the passage does not imply, and mischaracterizes the type of birds and plants involved.
2
Analysis of Question
Passage Analysis
Sentence 1: Discusses the weight of societal expectations and notes its intensification in recent decades due to contradictory expectations.
Sentence 2: Describes the 1950s’ perfectionism, rooted in mass culture’s norms.
Sentence 3: Explains how perfectionism then was about conforming to societal values and appearance.
Sentence 4: Contrasts this with today’s perfectionism, where standing out is key to attracting attention.
Main Points
• Societal expectations have intensified recently.
• 1950s’ perfectionism was about conforming to norms.
• Today’s perfectionism is about standing out and individuality.
Correct Answer: 2
“Though long-standing, the pressure to appear perfect and thereby attract attention, has evolved over time from one of conformism to one of non-conformism.”
This summary captures the essence of the passage: the evolution of societal perfectionism from conforming to norms to emphasizing individuality.
Incorrect Answers:
1. “Image of perfectionism...adhere to these ideals”: Too general and does not capture the evolution of the concept of perfectionism over time.
3. “Desire to attract attention...willing to go to any lengths”: Overemphasizes the desire for attention without reflecting the passage’s focus on the evolution of societal expectations.
4. “Pressure to appear perfect...state of flux and hard to define”: This answer focuses more on the conflict and indefinability, which is not the central theme of the passage.