Practice Logical Reasoning questions on Theme Detection, covering short passages, central ideas, main themes, key messages, supporting points, and identifying the statement that best represents the overall theme. Takes about 20–25 minutes and is useful for placement, TCS NQT, SSC, banking and MBA entrance exams.
Question 1
People once dreamed of crossing the ocean in a few hours. A wild idea of one generation has become an ordinary journey for thousands of passengers today. Even the early builders of aeroplanes could hardly have imagined the speed of present-day jets.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage says that what was a wild idea has become an ordinary journey. So an idea that seems wild in one generation may become common in a later one. The passage does not say that every dream has been fulfilled, that jets are the last stage of progress, or that ocean travel is not necessary.
Question 2
The writers of old stories imagined that people might one day talk to one another across great distances. What was a fancy in a story a hundred years ago has become the telephone in every pocket. Even those who invented the first telephone could hardly have imagined that people would one day see each other while talking.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage shows that a fancy in an old story has become real today. So the imaginings of one age may become the realities of a later age. The passage does not say that all stories come true, that the telephone cannot develop further (the inventors could not have imagined video calls), or that writers were inventors.
Question 3
The festival has always been the most important means of keeping a community together. This applies today in an even higher degree than in former times, for, through the growth of the cities, the neighbourhood as a place of daily meeting has become weaker.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage states that the neighbourhood as a place of daily meeting has become weaker. It says that the festival is even more important today. The passage does not say that festivals have lost importance, that city people dislike neighbours, that festivals are the only way, or that communities cannot survive in cities.
Question 4
The library has always been an important means of keeping the knowledge of the past alive. This applies today in an even higher degree than in former times, for, through the spread of the internet, people read fewer printed books at home and the habit of reading has become weaker.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage states that the habit of reading has become weaker. It says that the library is even more important today, so the statement that libraries have become less important is opposite to the passage. The passage does not say that the internet has no value, that printing should stop, or that the library is the only source of knowledge.
Question 5
Sports meets are important for the growth of a nation's athletes. Such meets, now regularly held in many cities, let our players measure their own standards against those of the best athletes of other countries, whose performances draw the greatest attention.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage says that meets let our players measure their standards against the best athletes, which helps them to improve. The passage does not say that meets are useful only for foreign athletes, that they make athletes lazy, or that those who do not win have no future.
Question 6
Book fairs play an important part in a nation's reading habits. Such fairs, held every year in the big cities, allow readers to see the wide range of books published at home and abroad, and they let local publishers compare their work with the best in the world.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The last part of the passage says that the fairs let local publishers compare their work with the best in the world, which helps them to measure and improve it. The passage does not say that fairs are useful only for foreign publishers, that they raise prices, or that readers do not need them.
Question 7
Patience is often mistaken for laziness; it is really a sign of strength. It is easy to give way to anger and rush into a hasty decision, but it takes a strong character to wait calmly until the facts are known. A patient person is often proved right in the end.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage states that patience is a sign of strength and that it takes a strong character to wait. It does not say that patient people never decide, that anger always leads to a wrong decision, that laziness is a virtue, or that hasty decisions are right.
Question 8
To admit a mistake is often thought to be a sign of weakness; it is really a sign of courage. It is easy to defend oneself with excuses and to blame others, but it takes a strong character to say openly, "I was wrong." The person who admits a mistake wins the respect of others and sets an example for them.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage states that admitting a mistake is a sign of courage and that it takes a strong character. Nothing in the passage supports punishing mistakes, calling every excuse dishonest, saying that most people never make mistakes, or saying that respect comes only from success.
Question 9
Road safety demands not only that vehicles be kept in good condition but also that drivers be taught the traffic rules, and that the roads be properly lit and marked.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage says that drivers must be taught the traffic rules, which implies that accidents may happen when they do not know them. The passage does not say that faulty vehicles cause all accidents, that accidents can be eliminated completely, that lighting alone is enough, or that drivers never break rules knowingly.
Question 10
The prevention of fires in a building makes it necessary not only that fire extinguishers be installed in every corridor but also that the occupants be taught how to use them, and that the exits be kept clear of obstruction.
The passage best supports the statement that
The passage best supports the statement that
Explanation
The passage lists three things that are needed: extinguishers, training in their use, and clear exits. So preventing fires needs more than equipment alone. The passage does not say that all fires can be prevented, that extinguishers are enough, or that carelessness is the only cause of fires, and it does not mention buildings without corridors.
Question 11
Read the passage and choose the theme it is based on:
"One of the important humanitarian by-products of technology is the greater dignity and value that it imparts to human labour. In a highly industrialised society, there is no essential difference between Brahmin and Dalit, Muslim and Hindu; they are equally useful and hence equally valuable, for in the industrial society individual productivity fixes the size of the pay cheque and this fixes social status."
The passage best supports the statement that:
"One of the important humanitarian by-products of technology is the greater dignity and value that it imparts to human labour. In a highly industrialised society, there is no essential difference between Brahmin and Dalit, Muslim and Hindu; they are equally useful and hence equally valuable, for in the industrial society individual productivity fixes the size of the pay cheque and this fixes social status."
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage's opening and central thesis directly states that technology imparts dignity and value to human labour.
Question 12
Read the passage and answer the question:
"There is a shift in our economy from a manufacturing to a service orientation. The increase in service sector will require the managers to work more with people rather than with objects and things from the assembly line."
This passage best supports the statement that:
"There is a shift in our economy from a manufacturing to a service orientation. The increase in service sector will require the managers to work more with people rather than with objects and things from the assembly line."
This passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
Since managers will need to work more with people (not objects), interpersonal skills will become increasingly important.
Question 13
Read the passage and answer the theme it is based on:
"Satisfaction with co-workers, promotion opportunities, the nature of work, and pay goes with high performance among those with strong growth needs. Among those with weak growth needs, no such relationship is present -- and, in fact, satisfaction with promotion opportunities goes with low performance."
The passage best supports the statement that:
"Satisfaction with co-workers, promotion opportunities, the nature of work, and pay goes with high performance among those with strong growth needs. Among those with weak growth needs, no such relationship is present -- and, in fact, satisfaction with promotion opportunities goes with low performance."
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage shows the satisfaction-performance relationship holds only for those with strong growth needs and differs (even reverses) for those with weak growth needs -- i.e., growth need moderates the relationship.
Question 14
Read the passage and answer the question:
The future of women in India is quite bright and let us hope that they will justify their abilities by rising to the occasion. Napoleon was right when he declared that by educating the women we can educate the whole nation; because a country can never rise without the contribution of 50% of the women of their population.
The passage best supports the statement that:
The future of women in India is quite bright and let us hope that they will justify their abilities by rising to the occasion. Napoleon was right when he declared that by educating the women we can educate the whole nation; because a country can never rise without the contribution of 50% of the women of their population.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage emphasizes women justifying their abilities and their essential contribution to national progress, best supporting the idea that women should be enabled to prove their worth and contribute.
Question 15
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Charles Dickens's novel "Oliver Twist", an orphan boy suffers hunger and harsh treatment in a workhouse and is later drawn into a gang of thieves on the streets of London. Through Oliver's story, Dickens attacks the cruel way in which the poor and orphaned children of his time were treated.
What is the central theme of "Oliver Twist"?
In Charles Dickens's novel "Oliver Twist", an orphan boy suffers hunger and harsh treatment in a workhouse and is later drawn into a gang of thieves on the streets of London. Through Oliver's story, Dickens attacks the cruel way in which the poor and orphaned children of his time were treated.
What is the central theme of "Oliver Twist"?
Explanation
The passage says that Dickens uses Oliver's story to attack the cruel treatment of the poor and of orphaned children. So option (2) is correct. The novel is not about the nobility, sea adventures or inventions; none of these is mentioned.
Question 16
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin", published in 1852, follows the lives of enslaved people in America who are bought, sold and separated from their families. The book stirred many readers to oppose slavery by showing its cruelty in human terms.
What is the central theme of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"?
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin", published in 1852, follows the lives of enslaved people in America who are bought, sold and separated from their families. The book stirred many readers to oppose slavery by showing its cruelty in human terms.
What is the central theme of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"?
Explanation
The passage says that the novel shows the cruelty of slavery and moved readers to oppose it. So option (3) is correct. Farming methods, city life and railways are not the subject of the passage.
Question 17
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In "Man's Search for Meaning", the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl describes his years in Nazi concentration camps. He observed that the prisoners who held on to a purpose, such as the hope of seeing a loved one again, were better able to endure terrible suffering.
What is the central theme of "Man's Search for Meaning"?
In "Man's Search for Meaning", the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl describes his years in Nazi concentration camps. He observed that the prisoners who held on to a purpose, such as the hope of seeing a loved one again, were better able to endure terrible suffering.
What is the central theme of "Man's Search for Meaning"?
Explanation
The passage says that prisoners who held on to a purpose or hope could endure suffering, which is the book's central idea. So option (1) is correct. The passage is not a battle history, a clinic routine or an escape story.
Question 18
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables", Jean Valjean leaves prison bitter and hardened after nineteen years. When a bishop shows him unexpected kindness, Valjean resolves to become an honest man and spends the rest of his life helping others.
What is the central theme of "Les Misérables"?
In Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables", Jean Valjean leaves prison bitter and hardened after nineteen years. When a bishop shows him unexpected kindness, Valjean resolves to become an honest man and spends the rest of his life helping others.
What is the central theme of "Les Misérables"?
Explanation
Valjean is changed by an act of kindness and spends his life doing good, which is redemption through compassion. So option (4) is correct. Prison is only his starting point; the novel is not about revenge or the royal court.
Question 19
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth", a brave Scottish general hears a prophecy that he will be king. Urged on by his wife, he murders King Duncan to seize the throne, and his unchecked ambition then drives him to more crimes and finally to his ruin.
What is the central theme of "Macbeth"?
In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth", a brave Scottish general hears a prophecy that he will be king. Urged on by his wife, he murders King Duncan to seize the throne, and his unchecked ambition then drives him to more crimes and finally to his ruin.
What is the central theme of "Macbeth"?
Explanation
Macbeth's ambition leads him to murder and finally to his ruin, as the passage states. So option (2) is correct. The play shows betrayal rather than loyalty, and it is neither about scenery nor a comedy.
Question 20
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Shakespeare's play "Othello", a respected general is tricked by his trusted officer Iago into believing that his wife has been unfaithful. Consumed by jealousy, Othello kills his innocent wife and then learns the truth too late.
What is the central theme of "Othello"?
In Shakespeare's play "Othello", a respected general is tricked by his trusted officer Iago into believing that his wife has been unfaithful. Consumed by jealousy, Othello kills his innocent wife and then learns the truth too late.
What is the central theme of "Othello"?
Explanation
Othello's jealousy, stirred up by Iago, leads him to kill his innocent wife. So option (3) is correct. The play is not about war tactics, the rewards of honesty or travel.
Question 21
Read the passage and answer the question below.
The poet W. E. Henley wrote "Invictus" while he was ill in hospital, after losing a leg to disease. In the poem the speaker declares that, whatever pain and hardship he faces, his spirit remains unconquered and he will not give in to fear.
What is the central theme of "Invictus"?
The poet W. E. Henley wrote "Invictus" while he was ill in hospital, after losing a leg to disease. In the poem the speaker declares that, whatever pain and hardship he faces, his spirit remains unconquered and he will not give in to fear.
What is the central theme of "Invictus"?
Explanation
The speaker's spirit stays unconquered despite pain and hardship, which is courage and inner strength. So option (1) is correct. The poem does not deal with travel, spring or the loss of a friend.
Question 22
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—", a father advises his son to keep calm when others panic, to wait patiently, to treat success and failure in the same steady way, and to keep going when he has nothing left but the will to continue.
What is the central theme of "If—"?
In Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—", a father advises his son to keep calm when others panic, to wait patiently, to treat success and failure in the same steady way, and to keep going when he has nothing left but the will to continue.
What is the central theme of "If—"?
Explanation
Every piece of advice in the passage is about staying calm, patient and steady, that is, self-control. So option (4) is correct. The poem gives no history, no money advice and no picture of childhood.
Question 23
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Aldous Huxley's novel "Brave New World" pictures a future society in which people are produced in laboratories, conditioned from birth and kept content with a drug. Everyone is comfortable, but no one is free to think or feel differently from the rest.
What is the central theme of "Brave New World"?
Aldous Huxley's novel "Brave New World" pictures a future society in which people are produced in laboratories, conditioned from birth and kept content with a drug. Everyone is comfortable, but no one is free to think or feel differently from the rest.
What is the central theme of "Brave New World"?
Explanation
People in the novel are comfortable but not free to think or feel differently, which is the loss of freedom and individuality. So option (2) is correct. The drug is a means of control, not a medical benefit, and the novel is not about space or farming.
Question 24
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451", firemen do not put out fires; they burn books, which are banned. The hero, a fireman, begins to read in secret and comes to see how a society without books has lost its ability to think.
What is the central theme of "Fahrenheit 451"?
In Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451", firemen do not put out fires; they burn books, which are banned. The hero, a fireman, begins to read in secret and comes to see how a society without books has lost its ability to think.
What is the central theme of "Fahrenheit 451"?
Explanation
Burning banned books and a society that can no longer think point to censorship and the suppression of ideas. So option (3) is correct. The firemen here burn books, so the story is not about fire safety, a firefighter's career or printing.
Question 25
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Emperor's New Clothes", two swindlers claim to weave cloth that foolish people cannot see. The emperor and the whole crowd pretend to admire the invisible clothes, until a child calls out that the emperor is wearing nothing at all.
What is the main idea criticised in "The Emperor's New Clothes"?
In Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Emperor's New Clothes", two swindlers claim to weave cloth that foolish people cannot see. The emperor and the whole crowd pretend to admire the invisible clothes, until a child calls out that the emperor is wearing nothing at all.
What is the main idea criticised in "The Emperor's New Clothes"?
Explanation
Everyone pretends to see the clothes because the others do, until a child tells the truth; the story criticises blind conformity. So option (1) is correct. The story is not about the price of clothes, weaving skill or royal ceremonies.
Question 26
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House", Nora has always lived by the rules set for her by her father, her husband and society. At the end of the play she realises that she has never been treated as a thinking person and leaves home to discover who she really is.
What is the central theme of "A Doll's House"?
In Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House", Nora has always lived by the rules set for her by her father, her husband and society. At the end of the play she realises that she has never been treated as a thinking person and leaves home to discover who she really is.
What is the central theme of "A Doll's House"?
Explanation
Nora rejects the rules set for her and leaves to find herself, which questions the roles society forces on people. So option (4) is correct. "Doll's house" is a figure of speech here; the play is not about holidays, budgets or toys.
Question 27
Read the passage and answer the question below.
At his trial in 1964, Nelson Mandela told the court that he had fought against both white domination and black domination. He described his ideal of a democratic and free society in which all people live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.
What is the central theme of Mandela's statement?
At his trial in 1964, Nelson Mandela told the court that he had fought against both white domination and black domination. He described his ideal of a democratic and free society in which all people live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.
What is the central theme of Mandela's statement?
Explanation
Mandela describes his ideal of a free society where all live in harmony with equal opportunities. So option (3) is correct. The statement was made in court but is not about court rules, geography or sport.
Question 28
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi called on Indians to demand that British rule in India end at once. He asked people to join the struggle without violence, with the call "Do or Die".
What is the central theme of Gandhi's Quit India speech?
In August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi called on Indians to demand that British rule in India end at once. He asked people to join the struggle without violence, with the call "Do or Die".
What is the central theme of Gandhi's Quit India speech?
Explanation
Gandhi demanded an end to British rule through a struggle without violence. So option (1) is correct. The speech was not about trade, railways or preparing for war.
Question 29
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman", the ageing salesman Willy Loman believes that being well liked is the key to success and wealth. His belief fails him, and in the end he is left with neither success nor peace of mind.
What is the central theme of "Death of a Salesman"?
In Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman", the ageing salesman Willy Loman believes that being well liked is the key to success and wealth. His belief fails him, and in the end he is left with neither success nor peace of mind.
What is the central theme of "Death of a Salesman"?
Explanation
Willy's belief about success fails him and leaves him with nothing, which shows the emptiness of a false idea of success. So option (2) is correct. The play is not a guide to selling, retirement or travel.
Question 30
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Charles Dickens's novel "Great Expectations", the poor orphan Pip suddenly comes into a fortune and becomes ashamed of the simple people who raised him. Over time he learns that loyalty and kindness matter far more than wealth and social rank.
What is the central theme of "Great Expectations"?
In Charles Dickens's novel "Great Expectations", the poor orphan Pip suddenly comes into a fortune and becomes ashamed of the simple people who raised him. Over time he learns that loyalty and kindness matter far more than wealth and social rank.
What is the central theme of "Great Expectations"?
Explanation
Pip learns that loyalty and kindness matter more than wealth and rank, which is the novel's central theme. So option (1) is correct. The novel is not about a lawyer's life, saving money or village life.
Question 31
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince", a boy from a tiny planet travels from world to world. A fox teaches him that the things that matter most cannot be seen with the eyes, and that the bonds of love and friendship are what give life its meaning.
What is the central theme of "The Little Prince"?
In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince", a boy from a tiny planet travels from world to world. A fox teaches him that the things that matter most cannot be seen with the eyes, and that the bonds of love and friendship are what give life its meaning.
What is the central theme of "The Little Prince"?
Explanation
The fox teaches the prince that love and friendship give life its meaning. So option (3) is correct. The planets are part of the story, but it is not about astronomy, flying or animal care.
Question 32
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" follows four animal friends, Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad. When the reckless Toad loses his home through his own foolishness, the others stand by him and help him win it back.
What is the central theme of "The Wind in the Willows"?
Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" follows four animal friends, Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad. When the reckless Toad loses his home through his own foolishness, the others stand by him and help him win it back.
What is the central theme of "The Wind in the Willows"?
Explanation
The friends stand by Toad and help him win back his home, which shows loyalty and friendship. So option (4) is correct. Toad's fondness for motor cars is part of his foolishness, but the story is not about racing, fish or danger.
Question 33
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Theme detection is the skill of finding the central idea or message that a writer wants to convey. It is different from naming the subject of a passage: the subject is what the passage is about, while the theme is the point the writer makes about it.
What does theme detection primarily involve?
Theme detection is the skill of finding the central idea or message that a writer wants to convey. It is different from naming the subject of a passage: the subject is what the passage is about, while the theme is the point the writer makes about it.
What does theme detection primarily involve?
Explanation
The passage defines theme detection as finding the central idea or message the writer wants to convey. So option (2) is correct. Counting words, checking grammar and memorising facts do not identify the writer's message.
Question 34
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Inference is the skill of drawing a reasonable conclusion from the facts given in a passage, even when the writer does not state that conclusion directly. A good inference goes no further than the facts allow.
What does inference primarily involve?
Inference is the skill of drawing a reasonable conclusion from the facts given in a passage, even when the writer does not state that conclusion directly. A good inference goes no further than the facts allow.
What does inference primarily involve?
Explanation
The passage defines inference as drawing a reasonable conclusion that the facts support. So option (3) is correct. Repeating the passage, guessing freely and finding spelling mistakes are not inference; a free guess goes beyond the facts.
Question 35
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Our cities are short of skilled workers in construction and manufacturing, while many young people in the villages remain underemployed on small family farms. If the surplus workers in the villages were trained in industrial skills, industry would get the workers it needs and rural families would earn more.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Our cities are short of skilled workers in construction and manufacturing, while many young people in the villages remain underemployed on small family farms. If the surplus workers in the villages were trained in industrial skills, industry would get the workers it needs and rural families would earn more.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage says that training surplus village workers would meet industry's need and raise rural earnings. So option (2) is correct. It speaks only of surplus workers, not of giving up farming; it compares no wages; and it says the young people are underemployed, not unwilling to work.
Question 36
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Many government hospitals have more patients than they can handle, while a number of private clinics in the same towns stay half empty. If patients were referred to these clinics at government rates, waiting times at the hospitals would fall and the clinics would be better used.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Many government hospitals have more patients than they can handle, while a number of private clinics in the same towns stay half empty. If patients were referred to these clinics at government rates, waiting times at the hospitals would fall and the clinics would be better used.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage suggests that referring patients to under-used clinics would cut hospital waiting times. So option (1) is correct. It does not suggest closing hospitals, compare the quality of treatment or say what patients prefer.
Question 37
Read the passage and answer the question below.
A city's skyline of tall towers and the number of big companies based in it do not measure how well its people live. A town with few towers may have cleaner air, safer streets and higher average earnings than a city crowded with glass buildings.
The passage best supports the statement that:
A city's skyline of tall towers and the number of big companies based in it do not measure how well its people live. A town with few towers may have cleaner air, safer streets and higher average earnings than a city crowded with glass buildings.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage says that towers and companies do not measure how well people live, while air, safety and earnings do. So option (3) is correct. It does not call tall buildings unsafe or ask companies to leave, and "may have" is not "always have".
Question 38
Read the passage and answer the question below.
The number of Olympic medals a country wins is often treated as a sign of its sporting health. But a country in which most children play sport regularly may be fitter than one that wins many medals through a handful of specially trained athletes.
The passage best supports the statement that:
The number of Olympic medals a country wins is often treated as a sign of its sporting health. But a country in which most children play sport regularly may be fitter than one that wins many medals through a handful of specially trained athletes.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage contrasts medal counts with how many people play sport and treats wide participation as the better sign. So option (1) is correct. It does not ask countries to stop training athletes, say medals have no value or talk about playing one sport.
Question 39
Read the passage and answer the question below.
Among students who enjoy a subject, extra homework leads to better marks. Among students who dislike the subject, extra homework makes no difference, and in some cases their marks even fall.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Among students who enjoy a subject, extra homework leads to better marks. Among students who dislike the subject, extra homework makes no difference, and in some cases their marks even fall.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
Homework helps students who enjoy the subject but not those who dislike it, so interest decides the effect. So option (5) is correct. The passage does not call for abolishing homework or say all students dislike it; "always improves" and "never need" contradict what it says.
Question 40
Read the passage and answer the question below.
In teams whose members trust one another, open disagreement in meetings leads to better decisions. In teams with little trust, open disagreement does not help and often makes decisions worse.
The passage best supports the statement that:
In teams whose members trust one another, open disagreement in meetings leads to better decisions. In teams with little trust, open disagreement does not help and often makes decisions worse.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
Disagreement helps where trust is high and harms where it is low, so trust decides its effect. So option (3) is correct. The passage does not call for a ban on disagreement, link trust to agreement, say low-trust teams never decide or call meetings a waste.
Question 41
Read the passage and answer the question below.
A child learns to share, to wait for a turn and to settle quarrels not by being told about these things, but by playing and working with other children. Each group activity makes demands on the child, and in meeting those demands the child learns to think of the group as well as of himself or herself.
The passage best supports the statement that social skills:
A child learns to share, to wait for a turn and to settle quarrels not by being told about these things, but by playing and working with other children. Each group activity makes demands on the child, and in meeting those demands the child learns to think of the group as well as of himself or herself.
The passage best supports the statement that social skills:
Explanation
The passage says that children learn these skills by playing and working with others, not by being told. So option (2) is correct. It rejects learning by being told, which rules out books and punishment, and it says nothing about skills being natural or useless.
Question 42
Read the passage and answer the question below.
A trainee nurse can read every textbook on patient care and still be unprepared for the ward. It is in dealing with real patients, with their fears and their needs, that the nurse learns to be patient, calm and caring.
The passage best supports the statement that the qualities of a good nurse:
A trainee nurse can read every textbook on patient care and still be unprepared for the ward. It is in dealing with real patients, with their fears and their needs, that the nurse learns to be patient, calm and caring.
The passage best supports the statement that the qualities of a good nurse:
Explanation
The passage says that the nurse learns patience, calm and care by dealing with real patients. So option (1) is correct. It says that textbooks alone leave a nurse unprepared, it does not compare nurses with doctors, it says the qualities are learnt, and it does not mention equipment.
Question 43
Read the passage and answer the question below.
A public broadcaster serves the whole country, not the party in power. It should report the successes and the failures of the government with equal care, give space to the voices of villages as well as of cities, and let its listeners make up their own minds.
The passage best supports the statement that a public broadcaster should:
A public broadcaster serves the whole country, not the party in power. It should report the successes and the failures of the government with equal care, give space to the voices of villages as well as of cities, and let its listeners make up their own minds.
The passage best supports the statement that a public broadcaster should:
Explanation
Equal care for successes and failures, room for villages and cities, and leaving listeners to decide add up to fair reporting for everyone. So option (4) is correct. "All times" support, city-only news, avoiding the government and telling listeners what to think all go against the passage.
Question 44
Read the passage and answer the question below.
A judge must decide a case on the evidence and the law alone. Neither the wealth of a party nor public anger outside the court should affect the verdict, for once people believe that judgements can be influenced, the courts lose their authority.
The passage best supports the statement that:
A judge must decide a case on the evidence and the law alone. Neither the wealth of a party nor public anger outside the court should affect the verdict, for once people believe that judgements can be influenced, the courts lose their authority.
The passage best supports the statement that:
Explanation
The passage says that courts lose authority once people believe verdicts can be influenced, so their authority rests on impartial judges. So option (3) is correct. It says wealth and public anger should not affect the verdict, and it does not discuss delays or changing the law.
