Critical Reasoning and Decision Making: Meaning, Questions, Tricks

Critical reasoning is a method of systematically identifying, analysing, and solving problems. Critical reasoning is one of the most important and common topics in many Government exams like SSC, Railway, Insurance, Defence and Banking, CUET, IPMAT and other competitive exams. Questions from critical reasoning are asked to check the candidate's problem-solving skills.

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This Story also Contains

1. Introduction to Decision-Making
2. Types of Decision-Making Reasoning
3. Approach to Solve Decision-Making Statement
4. Question Weightage of Decision-Making in Competitive Exams
5. Practice Questions of Decision-Making Statements

Introduction to Decision-Making

Decision-making is a method of deriving final output by analysing the given information. This topic is asked to check the decision-making ability of an aspirant. This topic includes Passage-based questions, Eligibility test-based questions and so on. Decision-making is one of the most important and common topics in many Government exams like SSC, Railway, Insurance, Defence and Banking, CUET, IPMAT and other competitive exams.

Types of Decision-Making Reasoning

1. Eligibility Test

2. Passage Based Decision Making

3. Theme Detection

Let’s understand each of these types in detail.

1. Eligibility Test

In this type of decision-making reasoning questions, a set of conditions with qualifications are given in question and based on these conditions candidates are selected, get promoted and this may be a job-related admission to a college and so on. An aspirant must make an appropriate decision after evaluating all the given information.

Example:

Directions: The following are the conditions for selecting an intern at ABD Ltd. The candidate must -

1) The candidate must be 21 years old, but not more than 25 years on 24.05.2023

2) Graduate in any discipline with at least 65% aggregate marks

3) The candidate must secure at least 50% marks in the selection test.

In the case of the candidate who fulfils the required conditions but

Have secured below 60% marks but above 45% marks in the selection test, he/she may be referred to the Manager.

If the age of the candidate is more than 25 years have secured above 65% marks in graduation as well as in the selection test. Candidate may be referred to the H.O.D.

Question 1: Ramesh has passed B.Com. with 70% marks and secured 67% in the selection test. Born on 28 January 1988.

1) Candidate is selected

2) The candidate is referred to the Manager

3) The candidate is referred to the H.O.D.

4) Insufficient information

Solution:

If we analyse the given data with the statements given above, we can determine that the candidate is referred to H.O.D.

Hence, the third option is correct.

2. Passage Based Decision Making

In this type of decision-making reasoning question, a passage or sequence of statements is given in the question followed by a question. An aspirant has to evaluate all the given alternatives after reading the passage and decide which of the following alternatives follows.

Example:
Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the following question.

Sun Tzu’s exposition about knowing one’s enemy has emerged as a recondite problem for legal scholars in the face of a lack of efficient rules concerning hacking and continues to haunt them due to a lack of understanding of the operating criminal mind and its underlying designs and motivations. The information revolution has led to the creation of ‘information highways’ operating across the globe through interconnected computer networks. The change has been unprecedented but surely not without pitfalls. The rapid metamorphosis of social values and structures is resulting in a control deficit and the consequent emergence of new computer crimes like hacking which have transgressed national boundaries through a burgeoning interconnected cyberspace (which has amplified opportunities for crimes like privacy violation and information theft). Given the presence of networked computers in almost every aspect of modern life, the amount of sensitive information stored on networks, and the relative ease with which computer crimes may be committed, the study of computer crime demands greater attention from researchers, law enforcement agencies and legislators. Law codes throughout the world have proved ineffective in curbing the expanding domain of hacking behaviour and hence a need has arisen to re-look at the strategies for containing this emergent menace.

Psychoanalytic theory, as developed by Sigmund Freud, relies on the hypothetical fragmentation of human personality into unconscious and conscious forces. Freud proposed that human conduct is governed by three forces viz. Id, Ego and Superego. Id represents the unconscious impulsive force which includes primitive biological needs like thirst, hunger sex etc. He proposed a conflict of Id with Superego, which according to him, represented the inner moral agency, whose development depends primarily on satisfying parent-child relationships. The formation of the superego depends on the norms and moral values learnt by the child from his parents and guardians. In this paradigm, the ego represents the conscious part of the personality which seeks to balance the above two opposing forces. Behaviour depends on the balance of the psychic energy system and any disturbance in this system may produce maladaptive development. Thus, he highlighted two causes of deviant behaviour (1) an inadequate superego formation and functioning due to impaired parent-infant relationships whereby the individual fails to control the impulse of Id, and (2) repressed unconscious desires stemming from a failure to express strong emotional ties with another person, often the parent. August Aichhorn, another renowned psychoanalyst, stated that there was some underlying predisposition termed “latent delinquency” which causes the later criminal behaviour.

Question:- What can be inferred from the passage about the impact of the information revolution on computer crimes?

1) The information revolution has reduced the occurrence of computer crimes.

2) The information revolution has led to an increase in computer crimes, especially hacking.

3) The information revolution has not affected the occurrence of computer crimes.

4) The information revolution has made computer crimes easier to detect and prevent.

Solution:

The passage mentions that the information revolution has resulted in the creation of interconnected computer networks and the rapid metamorphosis of social values and structures. As a consequence, new computer crimes like hacking have emerged and transgressed national boundaries through interconnected cyberspace. This infers that the information revolution has led to an increase in computer crimes, especially hacking.

Reason for incorrect options:

Option (a): The passage does not suggest that the information revolution has reduced the occurrence of computer crimes; instead, it mentions new crimes like hacking have emerged.

Option (c): The passage describes the emergence of new computer crimes due to the information revolution, suggesting that it has affected the occurrence of computer crimes.

Option (d): The passage does not discuss the impact of the information revolution on the detectability or prevention of computer crimes; it focuses on the emergence of new crimes.

Hence, the second option is correct.

3. Theme Detection

In this type of decision-making reasoning a passage or sequence of statements is given and an aspirant needs to identify the central idea or message of the passage.

Example:

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions.

Cases drag on for prolonged periods because of the long queue and backlog of pending cases that have clogged the court system. In this situation, the classical phrase 'Justice deferred is justice undone' applies. As a result, the idea of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was developed. ADR seeks to offer people alternate methods of pursuing justice, as the title itself implies.

Under Section 89 of the 'Code of Civil Procedure' (CPC), some methods of dispute resolution that fall outside of the court system are recognized. The alternative processes of Arbitration, Lok Adalat, Mediation, and Conciliation are covered under this Section. The use of ADR intends to offer a highly individualized and adaptable way of recourse, serving the purpose of quickly settling.

Lok Adalat means 'People's Court' in Hindi. In Indian history, using ADR to resolve conflicts has had a long and turbulent past. Throughout the beginning of human history, individuals have believed that disputes may be resolved among themselves without litigating them in court. Panchayats were constantly asked to decide issues that came up in the community as they occurred. The Panchayat representatives then applied the concepts of discussion, mediation, and justice to encourage the offended sides to reach a settlement and a mutual understanding. As a result, it may be claimed that at the most basic levels, ADR has been used in India for centuries. The responsibility to guarantee that everyone has a legal avenue for remedy, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, and that everyone should be in the legal framework, could be regarded as ‘access to justice’. In essence, the ability to reach the court facilities and present one’s case can be referred. Following their creation in 1982, Lok Adalats have served as how the underprivileged have the means to acquire justice in our tumultuous nation, where more than 3.3 crore cases (according to 2018 estimates) remain outstanding. A significant method for reducing the burden of the judiciary, the functioning of the Lok Adalats catalyzed and produced the resolution of over 50 lakh matters in 2017 alone. Since Lok Adalats typically settle 4,000 cases per day, it is clear that having them in place is essential for addressing the huge court backlog. Throughout the years, Lok Adalats has been a significant force for transformation in both the Indian legal framework and the wider community.

Question: What lesson can be learned from the passage regarding the effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in addressing the issue of court backlog and providing access to justice?

1) ADR methods have no impact on reducing the court backlog and providing access to justice.

2) ADR methods, such as Lok Adalats, have been historically unsuccessful in resolving disputes in India.

3) ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, have played a significant role in reducing the court backlog and providing access to justice in India.

4) ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, are only suitable for resolving minor disputes and are ineffective for major legal matters.

Solution:

Option C: ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, have played a significant role in reducing the court backlog and providing access to justice in India – The issue of prolonged cases due to the long queue and backlog of pending cases in the court system has been highlighted in the passage. It introduces Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, such as Arbitration, Lok Adalat, Mediation, and Conciliation, recognized under Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC). It emphasizes that ADR offers an individualized and adaptable way of recourse, quickly reaching a settlement. The passage specifically mentions Lok Adalat, which means 'People's Court' in Hindi, and its historical use in India for resolving disputes in the community through discussion, mediation, and justice. It further states that Lok Adalats have been a significant force for transformation in both the Indian legal framework and the wider community, reducing the burden on the judiciary and resolving a significant number of cases. Therefore, the lesson derived is that ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, have played a significant role in reducing the court backlog and providing access to justice in India.

Option A: ADR methods have no impact on reducing the court backlog and providing access to justice – The passage contradicts this option by highlighting the significant role of ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, in reducing the court backlog and providing access to justice.

Option B: ADR methods, such as Lok Adalats, have been historically unsuccessful in resolving disputes in India – The passage supports the effectiveness of ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, by stating their historical use in resolving disputes in India.

Option D: ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, are only suitable for resolving minor disputes and are ineffective for major legal matters – The passage does not suggest that ADR methods, like Lok Adalats, are only suitable for resolving minor disputes; it emphasizes their significant impact in reducing the court backlog.

Hence, the third option is correct.

Approach to Solve Decision-Making Statement

To solve eligibility test-based and passage-based or theme-based questions, after reading all the information, an aspirant can use the elimination method to get the required answer.

Question Weightage of Decision-Making in Competitive Exams

The number of questions based on analogy varies from exam to exam -
1) Decision-making questions asked in SSC exams i.e. SSC MTS, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC CPO, Steno - 1 to 3 questions.
2) Decision-making questions asked in the Railways exam i.e. Group D, NTPC, JE, ALP etc - 1 to 3 questions.
3) Decision-making questions asked in CUET, CAT, Banking CLAT, NPAT and other college entrance exams - 4 to 6 questions.

Sometimes questions based on analogy can be seen in CSAT and IB exams as well.

Practice Questions of Decision-Making Statements

1. Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Last month, a group of boys from the Archives Society of La Martiniere for Boys came to interview me as I was first a student and then a teacher at La Mar­tiniere for Girls. I was childishly excited about this interview because I rather appreciated this initiative of the boys to start an archive for their nearly two-centuries-old school. The boys’ questions were impressive, while I rambled on unabashedly, hopping from topic to topic with all kinds of episodes thrown in — buried memories of my old school had suddenly been resurrected. One of the questions that I was asked was whether I thought it was a good idea to reach out to alumni. This made me think about the need to build bridges between the past and the present. Other than the occasional past versus present debate or cricket match, students do not have any connection with their school’s past unless their parents are alumni of the same institution. They do hear stories about the school, about distinguished old boys and girls and about some who were ‘famous’ for their pranks that drove their teachers up the wall. It seems strange that many of these ‘impossible’ students turned out to be successful in life and became eminent citizens. The past and present need to meet. They enrich each other. The so-called generation gap would be non-existent if the young and the old reached out to each other. Older people have a tiring refrain: lamenting how young people have got completely out of hand, that all they are attached to are their devices and so on. I wish the old would try to understand the young better. It is quite boring to hear people keep singing praises of their times — everything was glorious back then. I still remember this persevering young boy trying to teach his grandfather how to use a mobile phone right through his summer vacation but later admitting reluctantly that it had been a waste of time. But the bonding that happened during the period of futile coaching was something to witness. History students are always told that the present can only be understood through the past. People who have no understanding of the past have no clue as to who we are today. Political parties in power usually wish to conquer young minds. They order the omission of chunks of history from the curriculum, indicating seriously distorted minds that believe that facts can be wished away. This attitude is certain to damage children’s sense of continuity and affect their quest for the truth. There will be yawning gaps in their understanding of the past and, thus, their worldview will be formed on faulty premises.

Question 1: What can be inferred about the interviewer's response to the boys' initiative to start an archive for their school?

1) The interviewer was uninterested in the boys' project and found their questions unimpressive.

2) The interviewer was excited and appreciative of the boys' initiative to preserve their school's history.

3) The interviewer was critical of the boys' questions and felt they lacked depth and relevance.

4) The interviewer was indifferent to the boys' efforts and did not see the value in preserving school history.

Solution:

The author mentions that the interviewer was "childishly excited" about the boys' initiative and appreciated their efforts to start an archive for their school, indicating a positive and enthusiastic response.

The passage does not provide any indication that the interviewer was uninterested, critical, or indifferent to the boys' project.

The passage supports the idea that the interviewer was excited and appreciative of the boys' initiative. Hence, the second option is correct.

Question 2: What is the underlying assumption in the statement, "The so-called generation gap would be non-existent if the young and the old reached out to each other"?

1) The young and old currently have a strong bond and understanding of each other's perspectives.

2) There is a lack of communication and understanding between the young and old generations.

3) The generation gap is a natural and unavoidable phenomenon that cannot be bridged.

4) The older generation is unwilling to reach out to the younger generation and vice versa.

Solution:

The statement suggests that the generation gap can be eliminated if the young and old generations reach out to each other, assuming that the current lack of communication and understanding is a key factor in the generation gap. The passage does not provide evidence to support options a), c), or d).

As it represents the underlying assumption that a lack of communication and understanding contributes to the generation gap. Hence, the second option is correct.

Question 3: Which statement best captures the paradox presented in the passage?

1) Young people are more attached to their devices and disconnected from the past, while older people refuse to understand the young.

2) Successful individuals often come from a history of being difficult students who were notorious for their pranks.

3) Building bridges between the past and present enriches both generations, but there is a reluctance to do so.

4) Political parties wish to conquer young minds by distorting history, leading to a faulty worldview for the children.

Solution:

The paradox lies in the fact that connecting the past and present benefits both generations, yet there is a reluctance or resistance to building such connections. Options a), b), and d) do not capture the central paradox described in the passage.

As it best reflects the paradox of the reluctance to bridge the past and present despite the potential benefits. Hence, the third option is correct.

2. Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question that follows.

Are the architects of patriarchy’s house of cards shuddering? That men hunted while women tended the hearth has been one of the most carefully nurtured myths of human civilization. The consequences of this mythologizing are telling: values such as courage, valour and fearlessness have been associated with masculinity and menfolk have reaped the dividends of this categorization over millennia. But now science has thrown a spanner in the works. A new study published in PLOS ONE by scientists from the Seattle Pacific University in the United States of America has shaken the very base on which this form of gender discrimination was built. There is researchers say, mounting archaeological evidence from across human history and prehistory to show that women were big-game hunters too. What is more, women were actively involved in teaching hunting practices and often employed a greater variety of weapons and hunting strategies than men. Ironically, what science – seemingly the most rational of disciplines – has discovered today has long been established in the magical–irrational? – a realm of myths. Be it the fierce Amazonian warriors, Durga and Kali in India, or, in Greece, Artemis – the Goddess of the Hunt – myths are replete with instances of martial women who made mincemeat of their adversaries, mostly men. Science has always cocked a snook at myths. Is that suggestive of science’s patriarchal infection? After all, researchers at the University of California had found that for decades, scientists had under-reported, concealed and even explained away the presence of hunting tools in the graves of prehistoric women as merely ritualistic razzmatazz. This conflicting relationship between myth and science has had interesting consequences. On the one hand, there has been, despite the best efforts of anthropologists and cultural historians, inadequate interrogation of myths as reliable tools for cultural diagnosis. On the other hand, science’s disinterest in myths has rendered them vulnerable to weaponization to legitimize women’s oppression. The assumption that women are the masters of the home and kitchen – a cynical strategy to deny them economic agency – is quite ubiquitous in global cultures. More worryingly, modern life has begun to do its bit of turning the myth of the woman as the keeper of the hearth into reality. The World Economic Forum’s latest Global Gender Gap Report reveals that women worldwide may have to wait 131 years to achieve gender parity, that too only if remedial steps are taken on a war footing.

Question 1: Which of the following, if true, undermines the facts revealed in the passage?

1) Women represent only a fraction of the active workforce worldwide.

2) History is replete with the names of male warriors, but not many women appear in it.

3) Most countries do not prioritize sending women military units to the battlefield.

4) There are not many programs to train women as a combative force.

Solution:

The author discusses the discovery that women were involved in hunting practices and martial activities, challenging the prevailing myth of men as hunters and women as homemakers.

Option (B): Undermines the facts revealed in the passage by suggesting that history predominantly features male warriors and lacks significant mentions of women warriors, contradicting the claim made in the passage.

Option (A): The fact that women represent only a fraction of the active workforce worldwide does not directly undermine the facts revealed in the passage, which focus on women's involvement in hunting practices.

Option (C): The fact that most countries do not prioritize sending women to military units to the battlefield does not directly undermine the facts revealed in the passage, as it does not specifically pertain to women's involvement in hunting or martial activities. therefore, this option is also incorrect.

The existence of fewer programs to train women as a combative force does not directly undermine the facts revealed in the passage, which discuss women's involvement in hunting practices rather than specific training programs. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Question 2: Which of the following is implied by the author in the opening sentence of the passage - 'Are the architects of patriarchy’s house of cards shuddering?

1) The patriarchal system is built on a fragile foundation that may collapse.

2) The architects of patriarchy are fearful of losing their power and control.

3) The concept of patriarchy is widely debated and questioned.

4) The author believes that the architects of patriarchy are open to change and progress.

Solution:

The opening sentence suggests that the architects of patriarchy's house of cards are shuddering, implying a sense of fear or concern.

Option B: Accurately captures this implication by stating that the architects of patriarchy are fearful of losing their power and control.

Option A: While the opening sentence raises the question of whether the patriarchy's house of cards is shuddering, it does not explicitly state that the patriarchal system is built on a fragile foundation that may collapse.

Option C: The opening sentence does not specifically imply that the concept of patriarchy is widely debated and questioned. It focuses more on the reaction of the architects of patriarchy.

Option D: The opening sentence does not imply that the architects of patriarchy are open to change and progress. It suggests that they are experiencing fear or concern.

Hence, the second option is correct.

3. Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the following question.

Cases drag on for prolonged periods because of the long queue and backlog of pending cases that have clogged the court system. In this situation, the classical phrase 'Justice deferred is justice undone' applies. As a result, the idea of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was developed. ADR seeks to offer people alternate methods of pursuing justice, as the title itself implies.

Under Section 89 of the 'Code of Civil Procedure' (CPC), some methods of dispute resolution that fall outside of the court system are recognized. The alternative processes of Arbitration, Lok Adalat, Mediation, and Conciliation are covered under this Section. The use of ADR intends to offer a highly individualized and adaptable way of recourse, serving the purpose of quickly settling.

Lok Adalat means 'People's Court' in Hindi. In Indian history, using ADR to resolve conflicts has had a long and turbulent past. Throughout the beginning of human history, individuals have believed that disputes may be resolved among themselves without litigating them in court. Panchayats were constantly asked to decide issues that came up in the community as they occurred. The Panchayat representatives then applied the concepts of discussion, mediation, and justice to encourage the offended sides to reach a settlement and a mutual understanding. As a result, it may be claimed that at the most basic levels, ADR has been used in India for centuries. The responsibility to guarantee that everyone has a legal avenue for remedy, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, and that everyone should be in the legal framework, could be regarded as ‘access to justice’. In essence, the ability to reach the court facilities and present one’s case can be referred. Following their creation in 1982, Lok Adalats have served as how the underprivileged have the means to acquire justice in our tumultuous nation, where more than 3.3 crore cases (according to 2018 estimates) remain outstanding. A significant method for reducing the burden of the judiciary, the functioning of the Lok Adalats catalyzed and produced the resolution of over 50 lakh matters in 2017 alone. Since Lok Adalats typically settle 4,000 cases per day, it is clear that having them in place is essential for addressing the huge court backlog. Throughout the years, Lok Adalats has been a significant force for transformation in both the Indian legal framework and the wider community.

Question 1: Which option strengthens the argument for the effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

1) The backlog of pending cases in the court system is increasing.

2) ADR provides a quicker way of settling.

3) Panchayats have been ineffective in resolving disputes.

4) ADR methods are rigid and inflexible.

Solution:

Option (A): The backlog of pending cases in the court system is increasing – This option does not strengthen the argument for the effectiveness of ADR. It suggests a problem in the court system that ADR aims to address, but it does not directly support the effectiveness of ADR itself.

Option (B): ADR provides a quicker way of settling – Strengthens the argument by highlighting one of the benefits of ADR, which is its ability to offer a quicker resolution compared to traditional court processes. This supports the argument for the effectiveness of ADR.

Option (C): Panchayats have been ineffective in resolving disputes – This option introduces a different form of dispute resolution (Panchayats) and its effectiveness, which is not relevant to the argument about the effectiveness of ADR.

Option (D): ADR methods are rigid and inflexible – This option presents a negative characteristic of ADR, which contradicts the argument for its effectiveness. The argument emphasizes the individualized and adaptable nature of ADR, so this option weakens rather than strengthens the argument.

Hence, the second option is correct.

Question 2: Which statement suggests that the author agrees with the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

1) Panchayats have a long and turbulent history in resolving conflicts.

2) The court system is clogged with pending cases.

3) Justice deferred is justice undone.

4) ADR offers alternate methods of pursuing justice outside the court system

Solution:

Option D: It suggests that the author agrees with the use of ADR as it highlights the purpose of ADR in providing alternate methods of pursuing justice outside the court system.

Reason for incorrect options:

Option A: Panchayats have a long and turbulent history in resolving conflicts – This option provides information about Panchayats, which is not directly related to the author's agreement with ADR. It does not indicate the author's stance on ADR itself.

Option B: The court system is clogged with pending cases – This option highlights an issue in the court system but does not indicate the author's agreement with ADR.

Option C: Justice deferred is justice undone – This option presents a general phrase that does not specifically indicate the author's agreement with ADR. It may imply the need for timely justice but does not directly address ADR.

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

4. Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow –

Within the lifetimes of many of us, artificial intelligence will become capable of reproducing itself without human intervention. We stand at the edge of an abyss, staring into a future we cannot guess. The physical components of this phenomenon require no special technical breakthroughs, merely that artificial intelligence continues to expand at its present rate. Within 40 years, computers will control factories that make other computers. A “closed-loop” of manufacture will have been generated. Because the expanding nerve net will also be connected to the energy supply, artificial intelligence will be capable, at a certain stage, of supplying its energy. At this point, a new species will be born, created from non-organic materials from the minds rather than the genes of another species. It will be an event unprecedented in creation. We will be sharing our planet with another species, capable of self-replication.

Several assumptions seem to act as brakes on our consideration of whether and how artificial intelligence might replace human beings. One of the most important, and widespread, is that computers cannot replicate human consciousness. It follows that the replacement of humans with computers is a logical impossibility or at the very least that such a contingency is so far ahead to be beyond our consideration. This argument is simply a non sequitur. Whether computers can simulate human consciousness is an academic question depending on the definition of “consciousness.” However, mammals did not have to simulate or replicate all the attributes of dinosaurs before they replaced them. Indeed, it is the differences that the usurper species possess which enable them to supplant an existing species. In the process of replacing human beings, for example, it may be a positive advantage for an artificial intelligence system not to possess human consciousness. At its most stark and melodramatic, the lack of human consciousness would mean that a computer “decision” to eliminate humans could be taken without the operation of conscience.
Question: Which of the following is a conclusion based on the facts given in the passage?

1) Artificial Intelligence is good for human beings.

2) Artificial Intelligence is good if it remains in control.

3) Artificial Intelligence has the potential to eliminate humans.

4) Artificial Intelligence was missed by dinosaurs to avoid extinction.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

Option (A): This option is against the facts given in the passage.

Option (B): Cannot be ratified from the passage. The control of artificial intelligence is not discussed.

Option (C): This option is the direct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage. It has been mentioned in the last paragraph of the passage.

Option (D): This option is illogical and does not make any sense.

Hence, the third option is correct.

5. Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question

Fraudsters are using various techniques to deceive and extract money from innocent individuals. Recently, a man from Delhi fell victim to a scam while trying to book a train ticket online. He received a call from someone posing as a customer care representative who tricked him into installing an application and sharing his credit/debit card details, resulting in the loss of Rs. 1.2 lakh from his account. To prevent such scams, here are some lesser-known types of fraud and tips on dealing with them:

OTP-based frauds: Scammers send messages offering loans or credit enhancements and coerce victims into sharing OTP or PIN details. To avoid this, never share OTP, PINs, or personal details with anyone and regularly check SMS and emails for unauthorized OTP generation.

Juice Jacking: Attackers infiltrate public charging stations or cables with malware to access personal information. To avoid falling victim, avoid public charging stations, use power banks instead, disable automatic data transfer via USB, and consider using a USB passthrough device.

Romance Frauds: Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites, social media platforms, or through email to manipulate victims into sending money or engaging in illegal activities. To avoid romance fraud, maintain scepticism online, avoid sharing sensitive information, and watch for warning signs.

Remote Access Scams: Scammers convince victims to install remote access software, gaining control over their devices to steal personal information or commit financial fraud. To avoid remote access scams, exercise caution online, educate yourself about fraud techniques, activate two-factor authentication, and disconnect from the internet if suspicious remote access occurs.

Work-From-Home Frauds: Scammers target individuals seeking remote employment opportunities, promising high earnings while deceiving them. To deal with work-from-home frauds, be suspicious of unknown offers, be cautious of demands for money, and use risk mitigation platforms to verify employers.

If you fall victim to financial fraud, gather information and evidence, report the fraud to authorities, inform your bank or credit card company, and secure your accounts. Prioritize your mental well-being by acknowledging, accepting, and moving forward from the situation.

Question: What is the central idea of the passage?

1) The passage highlights various types of fraud and provides preventive measures to avoid falling victim to them.

2) Financial frauds are becoming increasingly prevalent, leading to financial losses for innocent individuals.

3) Scammers use different techniques to deceive and extract money from unsuspecting individuals.

4) Falling victim to financial fraud can have severe consequences, and it is important to take immediate action.

Solution:

The central idea of the passage is to raise awareness about different types of fraud and provide tips on dealing with them effectively.

Hence, the first option is correct.

6. Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg defended President Biden's leadership and dismissed concerns about his age and slip-ups. Buttigieg praised Biden's ability to focus on both the big picture and finer details, describing the administration as "extraordinarily effective." Despite being the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2024, which has raised questions about his mental acuity.

Biden's recent slip-ups include mistakenly confusing Ukraine with Iraq on two separate occasions within a short period. He referred to Putin losing the war in Iraq and claimed to have brought Europe together for the onslaught on Iraq during a fundraiser. The president has also faced criticism for walking off the set of a live interview prematurely.

However, Buttigieg argued that Americans should focus on the accomplishments of the Biden administration rather than dwelling on these gaffes. He stated that Biden's performance should be evaluated based on the job he is doing, and the administration has achieved more in two and a half years than many presidencies have accomplished in four or even eight years.

Supporters of Biden maintain that his ability to effectively carry out his presidential duties should be the primary consideration, despite concerns about his age and verbal missteps. Buttigieg's defence of Biden's leadership aims to shift the focus onto the administration's accomplishments rather than the occasional slip-ups.

Question: What is the central idea of the passage?

1) Buttigieg's defence of Biden's leadership amidst concerns about his age and slip-ups.

2) Biden's recent verbal missteps and their potential impact on his re-election.

3) The criticism faced by Biden for confusing Ukraine with Iraq.

4) The accomplishments of the Biden administration in a short period.

Solution:

The central idea of the passage is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's defence of President Biden's leadership and dismissal of concerns about his age and slip-ups.

Hence, the first option is correct.

7. Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

The government's ambitious 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative, which aims to provide potable water connections to all rural households in India by 2024 under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is projected to fall short of its target, according to sources and publicly available data.

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the scheme in 2019 when only 16% of rural households had tap water, officials reveal that the project faced numerous challenges that hindered its progress in several states until 2022. These challenges include the impact of the pandemic, a shortage of qualified personnel in the states, the scale of the project, state-specific issues, and even the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The senior official, speaking anonymously, explained that the pandemic caused delays, while the Ukraine war resulted in significant shortages of steel and cement, crucial materials for manufacturing and connecting metal pipes. This led to price revisions and time lost in renegotiating contracts and improving supply. Additionally, there was a shortage of skilled manpower in many states, hindering the construction of tanks, cisterns, and water connections of acceptable quality.

The official further highlighted specific challenges in certain states. Rajasthan faces issues with the actual availability of water, while West Bengal and Kerala struggle with water contamination, making it essential to ensure adequate water quality beyond just providing a piped connection.

Considering these challenges, the official anticipates that approximately 75% of households will be covered by March 2024, with the target of 80% coverage expected to be achieved by December.

Question: What is the writer's viewpoint on the likelihood of the 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative achieving its target?

1) The initiative will surpass its target by a significant margin.

2) The initiative will meet its target with ease.

3) The initiative is projected to fall short of its target.

4) The initiative's progress is unaffected by external challenges.

Solution:

The passage states that the 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative is likely to fall short of its target, according to sources and publicly available data. This implies that the writer's viewpoint aligns with the projection of the initiative not reaching its intended goal.

Hence, the third option is correct.

8. Directions: The following are the conditions for constructing a house.

(a) The cost of land should be less than `20,00,000.

(b) The estimated cost of construction should be less than `30,00,000.

(c) The land/house to be bought should be in a posh locality.

(d) A loan worth at least `20,00,000 should be available at an interest rate of 18% per annum.

If a condition given above is not satisfied, an alternate condition for the same is given below.

(e) If condition (d) is violated, but the interest rate is less than 12% per annum, and the amount of loan that can be availed is at least `10,00,000, then the matter should be discussed with the family members.

(f) If condition (b) is violated, then a decision is made to buy a flat on the ground floor in that location, subject to availability.

(g) If condition (c) is violated, but all the basic amenities are available in the vicinity nearby, then the matter should be discussed with the family members. Now mark your answer as

Question 1:- The cost of a piece of land is `12,00,000 and the cost of construction is `38,00,000. The land is located in a posh locality. A loan of `30,00,000 can be availed at an interest rate of 15% per annum. There are flats available in that locality on the ground floor.

1) If the decision is to buy a flat.

2) If it is decided to construct a house.

3) If the data is inadequate.

4) if a discussion is to be held with the family members.

5) If the house cannot be constructed.

Solution:

In this case, condition (b) is violated, as the estimated cost of construction is more than `30 lakhs. As there are flats available in that locality on the ground floor, the respective alternate condition (f) is fulfilled.

Hence, the first option is correct.

Question 2: The cost of a piece of land would be around 15,00,000 and the cost of construction of a house would be around 20,00,000. Loans can be availed at a rate of 15% per annum. The land is located in a posh locality where every facility is available.

1) if the decision is to buy a flat
2) if it is decided to construct a house
3) if the data is inadequate
4) if a discussion is to be held with the family members
5) if the house cannot be constructed

Solution:
According to the given information, the table is as follows –

In this case, the loan amount is not specified, which is required to check condition (d). Therefore, data is inadequate to make a decision. Hence, the third option is correct.

Question 3: Land is available for 30,00,000 and the cost of construction is 20,00,000. Land is available in a very posh locality and a loan worth 20,00,000 can be availed at an interest rate of 16% per annum.
1) if the decision is to buy a flat
2) if it is decided to construct a house
3) if the data is inadequate
4) if a discussion is to be held with the family members
5) if the house cannot be constructed

Solution:

According to the given information, the table is as follows –

In this case, the cost of the land is more than 20 lakhs, Therefore, condition (a) is violated. As there is no alternate condition for the same, the house cannot be constructed. Hence, the fifth option is correct.

9. Directions: Study the following information carefully and answer the related question.
Mr. Rajiv Singhal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Loha India Ltd., (a steel manufacturing company) had just been visited by several other company directors. The directors were upset with the recent actions of the company president, Mr. Ganesh Thakur. They demanded that the board consider firing the president.
Mr. Thakur, the recently appointed president, had undertaken to solve some of the management-employees problems by dealing directly with the individuals, as often as possible. The company did not have a history of strikes or any other form of collective action and was considered to have a good work culture. However, Mr. Thakur felt that by dealing directly with individuals, he could portray the management’s concern for the employees.
An important initiative of Mr. Thakur was to negotiate the supervisors' wages with each supervisor. He would not involve anyone else in these negotiation meetings, including the personnel department that reported to him, to make unbiased decisions. After the negotiation, a wage contract would be drawn up for each supervisor. This, he felt, would recognize and reward the better performers.
Mr. Thakur successfully implemented the process for most of the supervisors, except those working the night shift. For them, he had drawn up the contracts unilaterally benchmarking the wages of supervisors of the night with that of the supervisors of the day shift.
For several days, Ram Lal, a night shift supervisor, had been trying to seek an appointment with Mr. Thakur about his wages. He was disgruntled, not only over his failure to see the president but also over the lack of discussions about his wage contract before it was affected. As a family man with six dependents, he felt his weekly wage should be higher than that granted to him.
Last Thursday afternoon, Ram Lal stopped by the president’s office and tried to see him. Mr Thakur’s secretary refused his request because Mr Thakur was busy. Infuriated, Ram Lal stormed into the president’s office and confronted the startled Mr. Thakur, with his demands for a better wage. Mr Thakur stood up and told Ram Lal to leave his office and express his grievance through official channels. Ram Lal took a swing at the president, who in turn punched Ram Lal in the jaw and knocked him unconscious.
Question 1: The most important causal factor for this entire episode could be?
1) Trying to follow a divide-and-rule policy in his dealings with the supervisors
2) Inconsistent dealings of Mr Thakur with supervisors
3) Paternalistic approach towards mature individuals in the organisation
4) Legalistic approach to employee problems
5) Inadequate standards for measurement of supervisors’ on-job performance

Solution:
Particularly during the night shift, Mr Thakur's uneven approach to negotiating pay and drafting wage contracts for supervisors caused employee unhappiness and grievances, which finally led to the confrontation and physical incident between him and Ram Lal. This contradiction appears to be an important episode cause.
Hence, the second option is correct.

Question 2: Out of the following, which one seems to be the most likely cause of Ram Lal’s grievance?
1) His disappointment with the management’s philosophy of having one-to-one interaction as the supervisors were in a way being forced to accept the wage contracts
2) His being on the night shift had worked to his disadvantage as he could not interact with the management regarding his problem
3) He was not allowed to meet the chairman of the board of directors of the company
4) Employment on the night shift forced him to stay away from his family during the day time and therefore he could not interact with his family members much
5) All of these

Solution:
He was at a disadvantage because he had to work the night shift and was unable to speak with management about his pay problem. In the example given, his inability to speak with management because of his night shift was a key element in his complaint.

Therefore, the cause of Ram Lal’s grievance his being on the night shift had worked to his disadvantage as he could not interact with the management regarding his problem. Hence, the second option is correct.

10. Directions: Study the following information carefully and answer the related question.
Seema was a finance manager in an MNC and felt that gender discrimination at the workplace hampered her career growth. Frustrated, she quit the job and started a company. While starting her company, Seema decided that she would have an equal proportion of males and females. Over the last six years, Seema emerged as a very successful entrepreneur and expanded her business to eight locations in the country. However, Seema recently started facing an ethical dilemma because she realized that female employees were not willing to travel across cities and work late hours, as the work required them to do so. Male employees did not hesitate to undertake such work. Seema started to feel the pressure of reducing the proportion of female employees. On the other hand, she is aware that equal representation was one of the strongest reasons for her to have founded the company.
Question: What should she do as a conscientious female entrepreneur?
1) See if unwilling female employees could be given assignments which do not require travel and involve less overtime
2) Reduce the number of female employees as it is a business requirement. She should not let anything affect her business
3) Let the status quo continue
4) Henceforth hire only male employees.
5) She should close the business.

Solution:
Seema should place a high priority on upholding the idea of equal representation while solving the real issues her company is encountering as a conscientious female business owner. The best course of action is to:
See if unwilling female employees could be given assignments which do not require travel and involve less overtime. This choice exemplifies a well-balanced strategy by taking into account the moral imperative of equal representation while also coming up with workable ways to take into account the preferences and demands of her female employees.

Hence, the first option is correct.