CAT - 2009

CAT Zero
EXPLANATORY ANSWERS

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EXPLANATORY ANSWERS
SECTION - I 3 2
æ 3ö æ 3ö æ 3ö
1. The required sum can be calculated as follows: 10 ç - ÷ + a ç- ÷ + b ç - ÷ – 63 = 0
è 2ø è 2ø è 2ø
The sum of the numbers in the first list
135 9a 3b
31 - + - – 63 = 0
= 32 × = 528 4 4 2
2
The sum of the numbers in the second list 9a 3b 387
- =
= 528 – 2 × 16 = 496
4 2 4
9a – 6b = 387 ... (ii)
The sum of the numbers in the third list Solving equations (i) and (ii) simultaneously,
= 496 – 2 × 8 = 480 we have a = –1 and b = –66.
The sum of the numbers in the fourth list Hence, [3].
Alternatively,
= 480 – 2 × 4 = 472 Using f(–1) = –8, we have a – b = 65.
The sum of the numbers in the fifth list Considering the options, only [3] satisfies this.
= 472 – 2 × 2 = 468
4. Let mother’s present age be x years.
The sum of the numbers in the sixth list
4x
= 468 – 2 × 1 = 466 \ Father’s present age will be years.
3
Hence, [3]. According to the conditions, the father’s age + 3
Alternatively, = 3 × the daughter’s present age.
Every time the operation is performed, one number 4x
is reduced and the total of all the numbers is reduced +3
3 4x + 9
by 2. Hence to get from the original 32 numbers to \ Daughter’s age will be
3
= years
9
a single number it will take 31 operations and the
Also, the mother’s age – 2 = 5 (son’s age – 2)
æ 32 ´ 31 ö ( x - 2) x +8
original sum which is ç ÷ i.e. 528 will get +2 =
è 2 ø \ Son’s age will be = 5 5
reduced by (31 × 2). Sum of ages is 83
Hence the final sum will be 528 – 62 = 466.
4x 4x + 9 x +8
x + + + = 83
2. Just like the last digit, the last two digits also would 3 9 5
follow a cyclicity. If we check the powers of the \ 134x + 117 = 83 × 45
number 43, we see that the last two digits repeat \ x = 27
every four steps as shown below:
27 + 8 35
Last two digits of 43 2 = last 2 digits of 43 × 43 \ Son’s present age = = = 7 years.
i.e. 1849 = 49 5 5
Last two digits of 43 3 = last 2 digits of 49 × 43 Hence, [2].
i.e. 2107 = 07
Last two digits of 43 4 = last 2 digits of 07 × 43 Answers to questions 5 and 6:
i.e. 301 = 01
Last two digits of 43 5 = last 2 digits of 01 × 43 f(6) = 36a + 6b + c = 0 ... (i)
i.e. 43 = 43 f(8) = 64a + 8b + c
Hence the last two digits of 43 120 will be the same f(4) = 16a + 4b + c
as the last two digits of 43 4 i.e. 01. Hence [5]. 3f(8) = –4f(4)
\ 256a + 40b + 7c = 0 ... (ii)
3. f(x) = 10x 3 + ax 2 + bx – 63 Multiplying (i) by 7 and subtracting from (ii),
f(–1) = 10(–1) 3 + a(–1) 2 + b(–1) – 63 = –8 4a – 2b = 0
\ –10 + a – b – 63 = –8 \ b = 2a
\ a – b = 65 ... (i) Let m be one root of the equation f(x) = 0.
Now, (2x + 3) is one of the factors Th e other root is 6.
3 -b
i.e., At x = - ; f(x) = 0 \ 6 + m = = –2
2 a

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\ m = –8 4300 but having all digits distinct = 2520 + 280 +

\ The equation is f(x) = a(x – 6)(x + 8) = a(x2 + 2x – 56 = 2856.
48 ) Hence, [2].

5. If a = 1, b = 2 and c = –48. Answers to questions 9 and 10:

But if a changes, the values of b and c will also change
proportionately and hence ab/c cannot be a fixed value.
Hence [5] A
C K

6. g(x) = (x + 8) 2 = x2 + 16x + 64. Hence, [1]. J

7. n th term in Bullu's series = 9 + (n – 1)5 = 4 + 5n. Pool

Maximum value of n = 38
M
mth term in Gullu's series = 11 + (m – 1)3 = 8 + 3m.
Maximum value of m = 63 R
We need, 8 + 3m = 4 + 5n N
\ 5n – 3m = 4 B
5n - 4
\ m = 3 9. To take the shortest route, Aanchal will travel from
A to M, then from M to N taking the pedestrian overbridge
\ n takes values 2, 5, 8, 11, … , 38
and then from N to B.
\ Number of common terms
5!
She can travel from A to M in = 5 ways.
é (38 - 2) ù 4!
= ê ú + 1 = 13. Hence, [5].
ë 3 û 7!
She can travel from N to B in = 7 ways. Thus,
Alternatively, 6!
Bullu’s series is ® 9, 14, 19, 24, .... 194 total number of ways = 5 × 7 = 35.
Hence, [1].
Gullu’s series is ® 11, 14, 17, 20, ..., 194, 194
So, the first common term = 14 & the last common
10 . To travel from B to C, Aanchal can choose to go
term = 194
via point J or K.
Difference between any two common term = 15 6!
\ Total number of common terms Number of ways to travel to J = (4! ´ 2! ) = 15 and
194 - 14 thereafter to C = 3 ways.
= + 1 = 13. \ Total ways to travel from B to C via J = 45.
15
6!
Number of ways to travel to K = = 6 and thereafter
8. Case (i): Number is greater than 5000. 5!
The number in the thousands place can be selected to C in way.
from 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in 5 ways. \ Total number of ways to go from A to C via
The hundreds, tens and units digits can then be selected B = 35(45 + 6) = 1785. Hence, [1].
out of the remaining 9 digits in 9, 8 and 7 ways
respectively. 11. f(7, 6) = f(7, 5) + 7 + 1 = f(7, 5) + 8
\ Number of ways = 9 × 8 × 7 × 5 = 2520 = f(7, 4) + 16 = f(7, 3) + 24
Case (ii): = f(7, 2) + 32 = f(7, 1) + 40
The thousands place is 4 and the hundreds place is = f(7, 0) + 48 = 7 + 48 = 55
> 3 Hence, [1].
The number in the hundreds place can be selected
from 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in 5 ways. 12 . r(4), r(14), r(41), r(22), r(27), r(72), r(39), r(93),
The tens and units digits can then be selected out r(89), r(98) = 4
of the remaining 8 digits in 8 and 7 ways respectively. Thus there are 10 such numbers with their product
\ Number of ways = 1 × 5 × 8 × 7 = 280 roots being 4. Hence, [1].
Case (iii):
The thousands place is 4 and the hundreds place is 3.
The tens and units digits can be selected out of the 1
13 . Ð BOC = 120. But Ð BAC = ( Ð BOC – Ð EOD)
remaining 8 digits in 8 and 7 ways respectively. 2
\ Number of ways = 1 × 1 × 8 × 7 = 56 ® Ð EOD = 60.
\ Total number of four-digit numbers greater than Since OBC is isosceles, it will be a 120°-30°-30° triangle

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and we can show that BC = 3 r where r is the radius

of the circle. 15 . A
Similarly EOD can be shown to be a 60°-60°-60°
triangle (i.e. an equilateral triangle) and hence ED 17 P M
Q
10
= r.
Now consider the two triangles ABC and ADE. We
AE AD B C
S NR
know that AE × AB = AD × AC i.e. = 21
AC AB
and also Ð A is a common angle. Hence the two 10 + 17 + 21 48
triangles are similar. The ratio of the corresponding Semiperimeter of D ABC = = = 24
2 2
sides BC and ED is 3 r : r i.e. 3 : 1 hence the
\ A( D ABC) = s(s - a )(s - b)(s - c)
ratio of the areas for the two triangles will be 3
: 1. = 24(14)(3)(7) = 24 ´ 14 ´ 21
Let these areas be 3x and x, then from the given
information, area of BCDE = 2x = 48. Hence the = 7056 = 84 sq. units
required area of D ADE = x = 24.
1
Hence, [3]. But, A( D ABC) = × Base × Height
Alternatively, 2
By tangent – Secant theorem, AE × AB = AD × AE 1 1
\ D ADE ~ D ABE (by S-A-S test) \ 84 = 2 × BC × AN = 2 × 21 × h
2
A ( DADE ) æ DE ö 84 ´ 2
\ A( DABC ) = ç BC ÷ .... (i) \ h = 21 \ h = 8
è ø
By properties of triangle theorem, Let side of square PQRS be x.
Now, PQ || BC
BC DE
= Q AN ^ BC Þ AN ^ PQ
Sin120° Sin 30°
Since, D ABC ~ D APQ (by A-A-A test)

3 PQ AM
BC \ BC = AN
BC Sin120° = 2 BC
Þ = Þ DE 1 Þ = 3
DE Sin 30° DE x 8-x
2 Þ = Þ x » 5.8
21 8
\ From equation (i) Þ \ Perimeter or PQRS = 5.8 × 4 = 23.2 units
2 Hence, [2].
A ( DADE ) æ 1 ö 1
= ç ÷ =
A( DABC ) ç 3÷ 3 3
è ø 16 . Tandy eats th of the cherries plus half a cherry
4
A (DADE ) 1 and none are left. So when she came in, there must
Þ A (DADE ) + A ( BCDE ) = [A( D ABC) =
3 1
have been (0 + ) × 4 = 2 cherries.
A( D ADE) A( BCDE)] 2
x 1 When Sandy came in, there must have been
Þ = [x = Area of D ADE (say)]
x + 48 3 1
(2 + ) × 4 = 10 cherries.
Þ 3x = x + 48 2
Þ x = 24 And when Mandy came in, there must have been
\ A ( D ADE) = 24 sq.units. 1
(10 + ) × 4 = 42 cherries.
2
14 . When Ð P = 60 o , Ð Q = Ð R = 60 o (as PQ = QR) Hence Mandy ate 42 – 10 = 32 cherries. Hence [4].
i.e., D PQR is an equilateral triangle Þ QR = 5
17 . As the American man sits on seat number 1 and the
When, Ð P = 90 o , QR = 52 + 52 = 5 2 . Chinese woman sits on seat number 15, we have.
AM CW
Thus, we get, 5 £ QR £ 5 2 . Hence, [3].
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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No two men, no two women and no two children the midpoints of the respective sides of the square ABCD.
are together (as a child must always be between a
4
man and a woman). Also, a woman cannot be to \ Each quarter circle has radius = 2 = 2 cm.
the right of a man, so a man, a child and a woman
sit one after the other, starting with a man. Also, p( 2) 2
it is given that an Indian never sits on a prime numbered Area of each quarter circle = = p cm 2
4
seat or a seat that is a cube of a number. So the
arrangement would look as following: \ Area of 8 quarter circles = 8 p cm2
\ Area of square = (4) 2 = 16 cm2
A C
\ Total area of shaded region = 8 p – 16
M C W M C W M C W M C W M C W
= 8( p – 2) cm2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Hence, [3].
Thus we see that there is only one possible seat for Alternatively,
a child from India i.e., seat number 14. Hence, [3].
A B

18. From the answer to the previous question, the Indian O

child is at seat 14, and since a Indian and a Briton
always sit together, the British man sits at seat number
13.
D C
As 7 is a prime number, the 7 th seat can be occupied F
by either a Japanese or a Chinese man only. Ð DOC is a right angle.
(1 º American man, 13 º British man, 7 ¹ Indian). \ The shaded area will be A(sector F–DOC) –
If the Japanese man sits at seat number 7, then the
A( D DOC)
Indian and Chinese men have to sit on chairs numbered
4 and 10 respectively. pr 2 p ´ 2 2
A(sector F–DOC) = = = 2p
Þ The British child has to sit on chair number 5. 2 2
Þ There won’t be any place where Indian woman 1
and the British woman can sit together. A( D DOC) = × 4 × 2 = 4
2
Hence, the Chinese man has to sit on chair number 7.
Hence, [2]. \ The shaded area = 2p – 4
\ The required value = 4 × ( 2p – 4)
19. One player is eliminated in each match. As only one = 8( p – 2) cm2
player is the champion, the number of matches played
is one less than the number of players.
Statement A: The number of players is 64. Statement C
22 . 100t
A is sufficient to answer the question.
Statement B: If there are n rounds in the tournament,
the number of players is between 2 n-1 + 1 and 2 n . D 30
o

Hence, [1]. Aircraft (100 m/s) B

20. If there are n rounds in the tournament, the number 500 m 500 m
of players is between 2 n-1 + 1 and 2 n .
Statement A: The number of players lies between 129
60o
and 256 i.e. 2 7 + 1 and 2 8 .
O A ground level
Thus the number of rounds = 8.
Gun
Statement B alone is not sufficient to answer the
question. Hence, [1].
Let the bullet hit the aircraft after ‘t’ seconds.
\ CD = 100t
21 . E
A B 100t
Y \ CB = CD sin 30 o = = 50t
O 2
H X G 3
and BD = CD cos 30 o = (100t) = 50 3t
2
D C \ CA = 500 + 50t and OA = 50 3t
F

Since O is the centre of the square, E, F, G and H are CA

Q tan 60 o =
OA

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500 + 50t SECTION - II

\ 3 = 50 3 t
Answers to questions 26 to 28:
\ 100t = 500
\ t = 5 sec From (iii), we get the following arrangement.
Hence, [3].
Alternatively, C/F A F/C
Ð COA = 60° Þ Ð DOC = 30° 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Ð CDB = 30° Þ Ð CDO = 120° \ From (i) and (ii), two girls cannot sit at M-10 and M-11.
\ In D ODC, Ð DCO = 30°, i.e., D ODC is an isoseles \ Two girls must occupy the two seats at the extreme left
trian gle. DC = OD = 50 0 m i.e., M-4 and M-5.
i.e., the aircraft travelled a distance of 500 m at the Then from (4) we get;
speed of 100 m/sec. E H B/D C / F A F / C D/B G
\ Time taken by the bullet to hit the aircraft is
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
500
= 5 sec. 26-[4]
100
27 . Since, there is only one person sitting between H
23 . Let the five integers be (a – 2), (a – 1), a, (a +
and F, F must be sitting on M-7 seat. Also, D occupys
1), (a + 2).
seat M-10, implies B is on seat M-6 i.e., between
Thus, according to the conditions given,
H and F. Hence, [1].
(a – 2)3 + (a – 1)2 + a + (a + 1)2 + (a + 2)3 = 30a + 1
28 . From the previous answer, C is sitting on M-9 seat.
\ 2a 3 + 2a 2 – 5a + 1 = 0
a = 1 is a root. By synthetic division: \ Number of people between C and E is 4.
Hence, [4].
1 2 2 -5 1
7
2 4 -1 29 . GDP of Bhutan = » $40
0.18
2 4 -1 0
13
\ 2a 3 + 2a 2 – 5a + 1 = (a – 1)(2a 2 + 4a – 1) = 0 GDP of Philipines = » $60
0.22
This has only one integer root, a = 1. Thus the five
original integers are –1, 0, 1, 2, 3. GDP of Sri Lanka = $50
GDP of Malaysia = $110
\ k = 1. \ (k + 1) 4 = 16. Hence, [2].
GDP of USA = $200
GDP of Singapore = $20
1 1 1
24 . – + – GDP of Korea = $125
169 - 168 168 - 167 167 - 166 GDP of Pakistan = $33.3
Only for the pair USA and Singapore the difference
1 1
... – + is more than 100 mn USD. Hence, [3].
146 - 145 145 - 144
30 . GDP is highest for USA and lowest for Singapore.
1 Hence, [5].
Now = 169 + 168 31 . Let the revenue obtained in the current year be ‘x’.
169 - 168
Hence revenue obtained for next year is ‘2x’.
So the above expression can be written as Let the percentage share is ‘y’ for the current year,
169 + 168 – 168 – 167 + 167 + 166 y
hence it will be for the next year.
– ... – 2
146 – 145 + 145 + 144
x
= 169 + 144 GDP = (for current year)
y
= 13 + 12 = 25. Hence, [4].
2x 4x
25 . Any term will be of the form a pb qcr, where p, q and GDP = = y (for next year)
r are integers between 0 and 10 and p + q + r = 10 y
So the problem is the same as finding the number 2
of non-negative integer solutions to p + q + r = 10. \ Percentage increase = 300%
This can be solved using partitioning logic as Hence, [3].
10+3-1C 12C = 66. Hence [3].
3–1 = 2

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32 . Nitu should spend at least Rs.15, Rs.15, Rs.15 and Loan approval as a percentage of cumulative approval
Rs.20 respectively on the 4 items. But, she must spent is given below.
at least Rs.60 in shop 3, which is possible only if 0.5
she spends at least Rs.20 on item 2 in shop 3. Thus, 1. Year 2000 = = 8.33%
6
the minimum total amount with Nitu could be 15 1.5
2. Year 2001 = = 20%
+ 20 + 15 + 20 = Rs.70. Hence, [3]. 7.5
1.5
33 . The two shops must be shop 2 and shop 4, then 3. Year 2002 = = 16.67%
9
Nitu should pay Rs.10, Rs.15, Rs.15 and Rs.15 3
respectively. Thus, the minimum amount she paid 4. Year 2003 = = 25%
12
for any item is Rs.10. Hence, [2].
3
5. Year 2004 = = 20%
34. If Nitu decides to spend Rs.14, Rs.14, Rs.30 and Rs.14 15
respectively on these 4 items, then she will not be Thus, maximum growth is in the year 2004. Hence, [4].
able to buy them from any shop, though she had a
total of Rs.72. Hence, [4]. 40 . Approval to disbursal ratio is maximum in 2003, as
is evident from first table. Hence, [4].
Answers to questions 35 to 38: 41 . Loans approved in 2000-2004 = 15 – 6 + 0.5 =
9.5 crore. Hence, [4].
From [iv] and [v], A, B, C and E won at least one match,
hence D must have lost all the matches in round 1(From [i]). 42 . As seen in the first table,
From [i] and [ii], the number of matches won by the teams loans approved in 2002 = 1.5 crore
must be 0, 2, 2, 3 and 3 (as total 10 matches were played). Loans disbursed = 1.7 crore
From [iii], one among the two teams scoring 2 each must Therefore, out of 1.7 crore disbursal, 1.5 crore got
have beaten one among the two teams scoring 3 each. From approved the same year and 0.2 crore got carried over
the data for second round, C was among the top two teams from previous year.
in first round, i.e., scored 3 and from [iv], C lost to B, that Therefore, percentage of loans approved in 2002 which
means B must be the third team going in the second round were carried forward from previous years
and scoring 2 in first round. 0.2
= × 100 » 12%. Hence, [1].
1.7
Thus for the first round, we get:
Answers to questions 43 to 47:
A B C D E Wins
A × A C A A/E 2/3 If Hiten bought the shares at Rs.100 in first week, then
B A × B B E 2 we know that the price per unit of the shares are:
C C B × C C 3 st
1 week 2
nd
week
rd
3 week
th
4 week
th
5 week
D A B C × E 0 P 100 150
B Q 100 150 150
E E/A E C E × 3/2
R 100 150
S 100 150
The second round can be tabulated as follows:
Now, Hiten earned Rs.81000 after seliing all the shares with
B A/E C Wins him at the end of fifth week.
B × B C 1 \ The number of shares with Hiten in fifth week
A/E B × C 0 81000
C C C × 2 = = 540
150
Now the questions can be answered as follows: As Hiten sold shares of a company in each week, these 540
shares were of the same company, say S.
35-[4] 36-[5] 37-[3] 38-[1] As Hiten bought the shares of company S in fourth week,
the per unit price of shares of company S must have been
39 . Refer to the following table. the least in fourth week, i.e., Rs.50.
In second week, the per unit price of the shares of company
Cumulative Actual Ratio B (i.e., Q) must have been Rs.200 and that in fourth week
Year
Approvals Disbursals Approves Disburses Approval/Disbursal
2000 6 4.45 0.5 0.45 1.11 it must have been Rs.150.
2001 7.5 5.8 1.5 1.35 1.11 Now, in fourth week suppose the per unit price of the shares
2002 9 7.5 1.5 1.7 0.88 of company R increased by Rs.100, then the per unit price
2003 12 9.2 3 1.7 1.76
2004 15 12.5 3 3.3 0.91
of the shares of the other two companies must be Rs.150 each
in that week.

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Thus we get the following: Fo r Class 2 : Th e n ew avera ge m emb ersh ip

st
1 week 2
nd
week
rd
3 week
th
4 week
th
5 week (4 ´ 40 + 4 + 36)
= = 40
P 100 150 150 5
B Q 100 200 (+) 150 (-) 150 150
Fo r Class 3 : Th e n ew avera ge m emb ersh ip
R 100 200 150 (-)
S 100 50 150 (+) (10 ´ 30 + 10 + 24)
= = 30.36
Now, depending on when the price of the shares of company 11
R increased we get the following cases: Fo r Class 4 : Th e n ew avera ge m emb ersh ip

Case 1 (6 ´ 18 + 6 + 12)
= = 18
st
1 week nd
2 week rd
3 week th
4 week th
5 week 7
P 100 50 (-) 50 150 (+) 150 Fo r Class 5 : Th e n ew avera ge m emb ersh ip
B Q 100 200 (+) 150 (-) 150 150 (25 ´ 9 + 25)
R 100 100 200 (+) 200 150 (-) = = 9.6
26
S 100 100 100 50 (-) 150 (+)
The average membership changes only for Classes 1,
3 and 5.
Case 2
0.67
1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week 5th week For Class 1: The change =
P 100 100 200 (+) 150 (-) 150 54
B Q 100 200 (+) 150 (-) 150 150 0.36
R 100 100 100 200 (+) 150 (-) For Class 3: The change =
30
S 100 50 (-) 50 50 150 (+)
0.6
For Class 5: The change =
Case 3 9
1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week 5th week The change is highest for Class 5. Hence, [5].
P 100 50 (-) 150 (+) 150 150
B Q 100 200 (+) 150 (-) 150 150 49. The total monthly fees (with discount)
R 100 100 100 200 (+) 150 (-) = [8 × 210 + (300 + 400) × 0.7] × 0.88 = Rs.1909.6
S 100 100 100 50 (-) 150 (+) The average monthly fees (with discount) = 190.96
= Rs.191. Hence, [2].
8000
Consider Case 1: Hiten had × 100 = 20 shares of 50 . The monthly fees (with discount) paid by a Class
4
5 member in January 2009 = Rs.400
each company in first week.
Monthly fees paid by the member in January 2012
In second week, Hiten sells company Q's shares and buys company
= 400 × (0.7) 3 = 137.2
S's shares. Then he has 100, 0, 20 and 20 shares of company
The required difference = 400 – 137.2 = Rs.262.8.
P, Q, R and S respectively. In third week, he sells company
Hence, [4].
R's shares and buys company P's shares. Then he has 180,
0, 0 and 20 shares of company P, Q, R and S respectively.
In fourth week, he sells company P's shares and buys company
S's shares. Then he has 0, 0, 0 and 540 shares of company SECTION - III
P, Q, R and S respectively. Thus, this case is possible.
Similarly we can prove that case 2 is possible but case 3 51. A, C and E are correct. In B, 'automobiles' is spelt
is not possible. wrongly with an extra 'l'. In D, 'high breathing problems'
Now, we can answer the questions. is incorrect terminology. The correct phrase should
be ‘high incidence of breathing problems’. Hence, [3].
43-[4] 44-[3]
52. B and E are correct. In A, 'Reich' is singular, but 'fanatics',
45 . Company A is either company P or company S, then being plural, cannot be used. In D, since '6 million'
the per unit price of the shares of company A increased is a number, the article 'a' before it is inappropriate.
in fourth week (case1) or fifth week (case 2). C is a fragment of a sentence, since it ends with a
comma, but does not continue in the next line. So
Hence, [5].
it is grammatically incorrect. Hence, [2].
46-[2] 47-[4] 53 . A, B, C and E are all correct. In D, the semicolon
used after 'basic question' is incorrect, because a
48. Fo r Class 1 : Th e n ew avera ge m emb ersh ip semicolon is used when two related but completely
different or independent facts have to be separated.
(5 ´ 54 + 5 + 48) Here, a colon should have been used instead.
= = 53.83 Hence, [1].
6

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54 . In sentence B, 'on where' is grammatically incorrect
- it should be either 'on which' or simply 'where'.
The word 'columns' is wrongly spelt as 'columms' in
sentence C. In E, the correct prepositional phrase
should be 'at anchor', not 'in anchor'. Only sentences
A and D are correct. Hence, [2].
55. 'Insurgency' (A) means rebellion or revolt by a group
of people against the government. 'Migration' (B) means
travelling from one region to another, usually for
permanent residence or to find work. Hence (B).
'Ambience' (A) means the surrounding atmosphere or
environment, especially in a public place such as a
restaurant, pub, club, etc. 'Ambivalence' (B) is the state
of being uncertain or indecisive. Hence (A). 'Grateful'
(A) means thankful. 'Graceful' (B) means elegant in
looks, manner, dress, etc. Hence (B). 'Vindictive' (A)
means revengeful. 'Testimony' (B) means an evidence
or proof in support of some fact. Hence (B). Thus
the correct sequence is BABB. Hence, [5].
56 . 'Contested' (A) means competed for, or challenged
for. 'Contentious' (B) means something that causes
argument or controversy. Hence (B). 'Consumption'
(A) means the act of using up something, in this
case using of goods and services. 'Consumerism' (B)
is a modern movement for the protection of the
rights of the buyers against exploitation by the sellers.
Hence (B). 'Clone' (A) is a term used to describe
the creation of identical copies through a biological
process. 'Replicate' (B) means reproducing certain
conditions or situations. Hence (B). 'Temperamental'
(A) means moody, irritable or erratic in disposition.
'Temporal' (B) means worldly in character, the opposite
of spiritual. Hence (A). Thus the correct sequence
is BBBA. Hence, [5].
57 . 'Smarting' (A) here means to feel humiliated as a
consequences of something. 'Hurting' (B) simply means
physical pain. Hence (A). 'Consulate' (A) is a place
that houses the consul of a foreign country who looks
after the interests and well being of the people of
the country by which he is appointed. 'Embassy' (B)
is the place in a foreign country that houses the
ambassador, who represents his government there.
Hence (B). 'Contemporary' (A) means belonging to
the modern or present time. 'Contemptuous' (B) means
scornful, disrespectful towards others. Hence (B). 'Knee-
jerk' (A) reaction means a thoughtless or spontaneous
reaction . 'Un mitigated' (B) mean s that wh ich is
absolute. Hence (A). Thus the correct sequence is
ABBA. Hence, [1].
58 . 'Intercept' (A) means to overhear or see, or to interrupt
or catch something. 'Intercede' (B) means to intervene
or mediate. Hence (A). 'Annihilated' (A) means com-
pletely destroyed. 'Insinuated' (B) means suggested
something. Hence (A). 'Sensationalism' (A) means doing
or showing something in such a manner as to cause
intense public excitement and debate. 'Sensitization'
(B) means the act of making someone sensitive to
something. Hence (A). 'Redundant' (A) means super-
fluous. 'Regressive' (B) means orthodox in character.
Hence (B). Thus the correct sequence is AAAB.
Hence, [5].
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59 . [1], [2], [4] and [5] are correct. [3] is incorrect since
'brand' is not the term used to describe a group of
people; it makes no sense. Hence, [3].
60 . [1], [2], [3] and [4] are correct. [5] is wrong because
the sentence becomes thoroughly contradictory and
absurd if we use 'race'. To 'race' to some place implies
running fast. It cannot be done 'slowly and casually'.
Hence, [5].
61 . [1], [2], [3] and [5] are correct. [4] is wrong. 'Break-
through' is one word; it means overcoming or sur-
passing a particular obstacle or problem. 'Break through',
on the other hand, means to force into or to divide,
separate or pierce through something. Hence, [4].
62 . In [1], 'snap' means to break with a sharp sound;
in [3], it means to speak sharply or angrily; in [4]
it means a short spell. The phrasal verb 'snap up'
means to buy or seize quickly. But in [5], 'snap' is
incorrectly used – the correct word here should be
'snippet' (a small part). Hence, [5].
63 . [1] is inconsistent with the intention of the sentence.
Such a terrible incident cannot be described as 'spec-
tacular'. [2] has an emotional appeal rather than a
rational one. 'Frightening' is vague. Moreover, 'more
unimaginable' is absurd usage, because 'unimaginable'
is an unquantifiable term. In [3], though 'repulsive'
fits in well, 'direct' looks out of place. 'The attacks
were more direct' conveys no exact meaning. [4] is
correct. It conveys the nature of the carnage: 'grue-
some', and gives an idea of the gravity of the act:
'audacious'. 'More worldwide' in [5] is an incorrect
term because 'worldwide' is in itself a term which
conveys maximum or all-round coverage. Also, 'em-
barrassing' and 'worldwide' do not fit together into
a logical statement. Hence, [4].
64 . In option [1] 'considerable' fits well. But 'acclaimed'
which means held in high esteem or regard, does not
convey any additional meaning here, though it is
praiseworthy to be the First Citizen. [2] is correct.
'Exemplary' means worthy of setting an example. The
position is 'honourable' meaning one that commands
deep respect. It conveys the positive tone of the
sen tence very well. In [3 ], 'little' h ard work is
contradictory and deprecates the efforts of the First
Citizen. 'Talented' position does not make sense.
'Consistent' in [4] is fine. 'Honorary position' means
a position for which one does not receive any monetary
compensation or remuneration. There is nothing very
positive about an 'honorary' position. 'Exuberant' in
[5] means high-spirited or lively. Thus 'lively hard
work' is absurd. 'Enviable' means something that can
cause envy. Hence, [2].
65. [1] is correct. 'Senseless' violence fits in well. Moral
'turpitude' means depravity or decadence. The two words
together form a logical sentence and a coherent link.
In [2], 'blatant' which means unashamed, may be
acceptable, but 'vapidity' which means dullness, makes
no sense. In [3], 'concentrated' violence can be used
to mean a high recurrence of violence in a particular
place. However, 'moral control' runs contradictory to
the tone of the statement which clearly criticizes the
situation of the world today. ‘High-level violence’ makes
9

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no sense, so [4] can be negated. 'Omnipresent' means
prevalent everywhere. It can be used here. But a 'lack
of moral ability' is absurd. Hence, [1].
66 . [1] is correct. 'Stance' means position, and here it
means the opinion of the USA. 'Disinterested' means
having an unbiased, third-party outlook. Thus this
sentence implies that the USA has changed its opinion
on Indo-Pak conflicts from an unbiased, impartial
one to one of conditional approval of India's stand.
In [2], 'disinterested' is correct. 'Take' also means
opinion, but in an informal, casual way. Here, the
sentence talks of the US opinion on the Indo-Pak
conflict, which is a serious, international issue, and
thus 'take' cannot be used here. 'Opinion' in [3] is
fine, and so is 'stance' in [4]. But 'uninterested' which
means a lack of interest in something, does not logically
link with 'impartial' since the sentence is trying to
emphasize that the stand of the US was an unbiased
one earlier. 'Take' an d ‘u nin terested’ in [5 ] as
mentioned in [2] and [4] cannot be used in the sentence.
Hence, [1].
67 . The paragraph focuses on Indian art movies and points
out the ways in which these art movies differ from
popular films. The last sentence of the paragraph
discuses how artistic filmmakers differ significantly
from their counterparts in popular cinema. So it is
likely that the next sentence will dwell on the aspect
of filmmakers of this artistic genre. Only options
[1] and [5] mention artistic filmmakers. But [1] focuses
on only one such filmmaker, Satyajit Ray, and thus
begins a new theme. On the other hand, [5] continues
the existing theme by mentioning one more char-
acteristic of artistic filmmakers. The rest of the options
fail to discuss ‘artistic filmmakers’, but focus on
unrelated issues such as popular cinema and its
treatment and techniques. Hence, [5].
68 . The paragraph discusses the importance as well as
the difficulties of managing coastal and ocean areas.
Citing Brazil and the UK as examples, it discusses
the difficulties due to the levels of jurisdiction. Only
op tion [2] con clu des the paragrap h logically by
discussing the 'fragmentation of responsibility' that
makes managing coastal and ocean areas a big challenge.
Wh ile op tion [2] an swers th e question, 'wh y is
management of coastal and ocean resources so dif-
ficult?', options [1], [3], [4] and [5] provide answers
to how we can manage coastal and ocean resources
better. Hence, [2].
69. The last sentence of the paragraph offers a clue to
completing the theme appropriately. The last sentence
mentions that science has advanced in the direction
of 'decoding the human genome' and has studied 'gene-
environment interactions' which explore the biological
basis of character traits, including the propensity to
commit crimes. Hence, it is likely that the next sentence
will discuss how nature and not nurture determines the
propensity to commit crimes. Only [1] discusses this
aspect, while [5] says the exact opposite. Options [2],
[3] and [4] can be eliminated since they do not logically
complete the theme. Hence, [1].
10
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70 . The paragraph discusses the frustration felt by in-
dividuals on a weight loss program after they seem
to have hit a plateau It further tries to analyse the
cause for it and the paragraph concludes with a question,
focusing on calorie intake. The sentence following
it must thus attempt to answer the question posed
in the concluding line of the paragraph, i.e., whether
one may be eating more calories than one thinks.
Only option [3] focuses on the aspect of calorie intake
and discusses how people miscalculate their calorie
intake, hence leading to an inaccurate assessment of
how much they eat. Options [1], [2], [4] and [5]
can be eliminated since none of them discuss calorie
intake; instead they focus on issues such as exercise
and metabolism, both of which do not answer the
question. Hence, [3].
71 . Refer to the last two paragraphs, where the author
discusses the failings of the Maya kings and nobles.
Options [1], [2] and [5] are stated in the list of
ch aracteristics of th e k in gs and n ob les in the
penultimate paragraph. [3] is also stated in the same,
and it can also be inferred from the example of Maya
kings building temples, given the last paragraph.
However, [4] is mentioned in context of the Easter
Island chiefs, not Maya kings, so it cannot be said
to be a failing of the latter. Hence, [4].
72 . Refer to paragraph 3, the second sentence, where the
quoted word occurs. According to the author, warfare
was 'already endemic' among the Maya, after which it
'peaked'. This implies that warfare was already present
to a certain degree. So [2] can be ruled out, as can
[1], as 'taboo' means something forbidden. The word
'endemic' means prevalent in or characteristic of a
particular society. So [3] can also be ruled to. Between
[4] and [5], [4] is a better answer, as 'endemic' does
not necessarily imply something 'extraordinary'. Hence,
[4].
73 . Options [2] and [5] are mentioned in paragraph 2
as the first and second strands respectively. [1] is
the third strand, as stated in paragraph 3, and [4]
the fifth strand, given in paragraph 4. But [3] does
not correctly state the fourth strand: according to
the author, the Maya had lived through droughts before,
but the one that led to the collapse was the most
severe. So, [3], which states that the Maya had never
dealt with a drought before, is incorrect. Hence, [3].
74 . Refer to the third paragraph. Options [1] and [4]
reverse the cause-effect relationship mentioned in the
passage: the high population density and decrease in
resources were the cause of the warfare, not its result.
[2] is completely incorrect: the author mentions no
relationship between the warfare and the drought. [3]
is only partially correct, as it fails to mention how
the no-man's lands affected agriculture. This link is
explicitly stated only in [5]. Hence, [5].
75 . According to the third paragraph, the Maya popu-
lation was 'at least five million people, perhaps many
more', and there is no indication that this was the
peak, so [1] cannot be inferred. Though the author
draws a parallel between the conspicuous consumption
CAT-Z-09
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of the Maya nobles and that of modern American
CEOs, he does not imply that the latter are con-
sciously imitating the former, so [2] is wrong. [5]
is completely false, as the passage mentions Rwanda
and Haiti only as places facing population problems
similar to those faced by the Maya, not as the location
of the Maya civilization. [4] is neither stated in the
passage, nor can it be inferred. However, [3] is true:
refer the the last sentence of the first paragraph.
Hence, [3].
76 . Refer to paragraph 5, where this phrase occurs. The
author is discussing those people who allow their children
to have two ice-creams cones at once, thereby allowing
them to indulge in excess and showing off their non-
existent wealth (since the two cones were priced the
same as one pie). Options [3] and [5] are only partially
correct, since they fail to mention that the showing-
off was of fictitious, not real, wealth. [1] is too general,
and does not capture the essence of the quoted state-
ment. [4] is completely out of context. Only [2]
correctly captures the meaning of the phrase. Hence,
[2].
77 . Refer to the last sentence of the passage: '... today's
morality wants all of us to be Sybarites'. A Sybarite
is a person devoted to pleasure. Similarly, a 'volup-
tuous' person is one who indulges in pleasures of the
senses. 'Voluminous' (large), 'voluble' (talkative),
'volatile' (changeable) and 'voluntary' (of free will)
make no sense in this context. Hence, [1].
78 . Refer to paragraph 4: the author says that '... neither
mathematics nor economy nor dietetics justified this
refusal. Nor did hygiene ...'. So options [1], [4] and
[5] are wrong. [3] was the reason stated by the elders,
but the author suspects that it was not the real reason
- which is given in paragraph 5: '... two ice creams
suggested excess ...' and 'looked indecent'. Therefore,
only [2] is the real reason. Hence, [2].
79 . A 'liturgy' is a ritual or rite of worship. In paragraph
3, the author describes in detail how the children
who got two cones ate them. This process seems
to him almost like a ritual or a 'liturgy'. While [1],
[3] and [4] are also true about this process, they
have nothing to do with the word 'liturgy'. [5] cannot
be inferred. Hence, [2].
80 . Refer to paragraph 5, the first sentence - the author
contrasts today's society with that of the thirties.
Since until that point in the passage he has been
talking about his childhood, we can infer that he was
a child in the thirties. Option [3] can be inferred
from the same sentence. [2] can be inferred from
the examples of the radio and car in the last para-
graph. [4] is inferable from the first paragraph. But
[5] cannot be inferred, since the author does not
compare the amount of ice-cream in the cones with
that in the pie. Hence, [5].
81 . Refer to the first paragraph: 'The ideas generated
by these chance meetings ... from their generation.'
The twofold consequences mentioned here include a
'corpus of work' which remains a 'record of the events',
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and the dissemination of the ideas. Both these points
are covered only in option [2]. [3] mentions only
the first point, whereas [4] and [5] include only the
second on. [1] is an incorrect reading, as it seems
to imply that the record, not the ideas, would be
disseminated. Hence, [2].
82 . Refer to the last line of the first paragraph, where
the word 'springboard' occurs. Both options [1] and
[2] can be immediately rejected, since it is clear that
there is no comparison (i.e., an 'analogy') being drawn
to anything. [5] is what 'semantic systems' refers to,
and has no relevance to th e word 'springboard'.
Metaphorically speaking, a 'springboard' is something
that provides an impetus or push to get an activity
started. In this case, semantic systems are a 'spring-
board' for 'further exploration', so the word cannot
refer to the exploration itself (as in [3]). Only [4]
gives the correct interpretation. Hence, [4].
83 . Refer to the last paragraph: 'As an art movement
slips ... possibilities of his own time.' [4] is incorrect,
as it uses the word 'fossil' in its scientific, not meta-
phorical, sense. Similarly, [5] too is incorrect in stating
that a fossilized art movement would be of interest
to a scientist (as opposed to an artist). [3] completely
contradicts the passage - even if the movement is
a fossil, it remains useful and interesting. Between
[1] and [2], the former is a better answer, as it explains
how an art movement can still be useful after it is
'dead'. Hence, [1].
84 . Refer to the middle of the first paragraph, where
Surrealism is discussed. According to the author, 'not
all movements were exclusively concerned with in-
novation', and Surrealism was one such movement.
However, we cannot infer that it was not concerned
with innovation at all, so [1] is wrong. [2] is an
over-generalization, since only one specific example
of Surrealist art - a photograph by Atget - is said
to be 'mysterious'. The example of the photograph
also shows that [5] is wrong. Since the passage deals
mainly with twentieth century art, [3] is most likely
wrong. According to the author, Surrealism can provide
insight into art of any time period, so [4] is inferable.
Hence, [4].
85 . Refer to paragraph 1, the second and third sentences.
The author begins by stating that it is possible to
see a pattern emerging in (or to impose one upon)
art similar to that which exists in science. However,
he qualifies this by adding that in this case this pattern
can be misleading. This point is present only in option
[3]. [4] is incomplete, as it paraphrases only the
second sentence. Both [2] and [5] misinterpret the
passage, while [1] cannot be inferred from the data
given. Hence, [3].
86 . [1] is incorrect because it expresses uncertainty and
debate about whether language is a cultural artifact
or a biological adaptation, though the passage clearly
opines that language is a biological adaptation and
NOT a cultural artifact. [2] looks close, but the passage
does not speak about HOW language is an instinctive
ability, rather it explains the reasons WHY it is so.
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Thus [2] is incorrect. [3] is correct. The passage
puts forth the reasons for language being an instinc-
tive ability of mankind. Thus the 'instinctive nature
of language' is being discussed here. The fact that
the author seeks to 'invert' popular wisdom which
believes that language is a learned ability is correct,
but it does not form the central theme of the passage
and thus [4] cannot be a title for the passage. Once
again, though the similarity between species as regards
their unique abilities is discussed in the passage, this
does not form the central theme of the passage. Hence
[5] is incorrect. Hence, [3].
87 . [1] cannot be inferred: nowhere in the passage is
it mentioned that man's unique ability of language
places him at the pinnacle of existence. [2] is totally
contradictory to the passage, which draws a com-
parison between man and other species by saying that
the ability of mankind to use language is instinctive
just like the unique abilities of other species. [3] is
contradictory to the meaning of the passage and is
also inconsistent with itself. The passage DOES state
that the ability of humans for voice modulation is
indeed unique. [4] is incorrect, because the inference
drawn is wrong. Man's ability to use language is indeed
unique according to the passage, but other species
too have same unique abilities. So, it does not mean
that man stands on higher ground compared to other
species. [5] is correct. It perfectly describes the
intention of the author while he compares the abilities
of humans and other species. The passage clearly states
that since other species too possess certain unique
abilities just as human beings do, this uniqueness is
not exclusive to mankind. Hence, [5].
89 . [1] is wrong because it is out of context and un-
verifiable. Nowhere does the author mention that
formal education reduces a child's linguistic ability.
[2] is inconsistent with and contradictory to the theme
of the passage, which actually explains that formal
education is not necessary for the development of
linguistic abilities in children. [3] is out of context
and unverifiable. Nothing is said about the 'comple-
mentary role' that can be played by formal training
to instinctive ability. Similarly, in [4], nothing is
mentioned about formal teaching having to play a
'secondary role' either. [5] is correct. It properly
explain s the quote, by invalidating the gen erally
accepted notion that formal education is necessary
for the development of language in humans. It identifies
the presence of natural instinct as a far more effective
factor than training. Hence, [5].
90 . Refer to the second paragraph. According to the
author, humans are not unique in having a unique
ability (i.e., the ability to use language), other animals
have unique abilities of their own too. To illustrate
this, he gives the example of bats using Doppler sonar.
So an example that could replace this has to feature
a unique ability of a particular animal. This rules out
[1], which is not an ability at all, but a reproductive
characteristic of the platypus. The ability mentioned
in [3] is not unique, but rather the method used is,
so it is not a perfect example. [5] is too negative,
as it mentions an ability that dogs lack as well as
one they have. [4] focuses on the human inability
rather than the animal ability. Only [2] mentions
a suitably unique animal ability. Hence, [2].

88 . [1] is contradictory to the views expressed in the

passage, which states that like the abilities of humans,
the abilities of other species too are ingrained in them,
not necessarily acquired. But [1] says that spiders
learn to spin webs as they grow, which is wrong. [2] A n s we r Key
is correct in its essentials, but fails to provide a precise
answer to the question which asks us to define the SECTION I
relationship between spiders spinning webs and the 1-3 2-5 3-3 4-2 5-5 6-1
human instinct for language. [3] is correct. It overcomes 7-5 8-2 9-1 10-1 11-1 12-1
the inadequacies of [2]. It provides us a clear, factual 13-3 14-3 15-2 16-4 17-3 18-2
relationship between spiders spinning webs and the 19-1 20-1 21-3 22-3 23-2 24-4
human instinct for language as is expressed by the
25-3
author, and thus answers the question very precisely.
[4] is totally contradictory. It is emphasized by the SECTION II
author that the human ability for language is instinc- 26-4 27-1 28-4 29-3 30-5 31-3
tive in nature and not necessarily a product of formal
32-3 33-2 34-4 35-4 36-5 37-3
training. [5] is wrong. The author clearly states that
there is a difference between 'webs and words', meaning 38-1 39-4 40-4 41-4 42-1 43-4
the act of spinning webs and language. Thus the former 44-3 45-5 46-2 47-4 48-5 49-2
is NOT a perfectly comparable example to the latter. 50-4
Hence, [3].
SECTION III
51-3 52-2 53-1 54-2 55-5 56-5
57-1 58-5 59-3 60-5 61-4 62-5
63-4 64-2 65-1 66-1 67-5 68-2
69-1 70-3 71-4 72-4 73-3 74-5
75-3 76-2 77-1 78-2 79-2 80-5
81-2 82-4 83-1 84-4 85-3 86-3
87-5 88-3 89-5 90-2

12 CAT-Z-09